Integrated soil and water management for vineyards in southern Italy: A case study

The accelerated erosion of soil by water from hill-slopes under viticulture is a major problem in the Mediterranean basin (Garcia-Torres and Martinez-Vilela, 2002; Martinez-Casanovas and Sanchez- Bosch, 2000 and Tropeano, 1983). It is largely a result of the land management techniques employed and their influence on soil protection, structure and stability. Vineyard is one type of land use that incurs in large amounts of soil loss in the Mediterranean hillside environment; this is particularly evident in vineyard where the soil is managed with an intensive tillage. With the time this has lead to the degradation of soil structure, soil compaction, decreased levels of soil organic matter which in turn has caused a wide range of environmental issues including: soil degradation, water and wind erosion, increased carbon emissions from the soil and an overall reduction in soil organisms. Vegetative cover has long been accepted as one of the most effective means of conserving soil and improving soil condition (Lal, 1994). However, for successful integration with an established cropping system, the type of cover and management require careful consideration. The objective of the present study is to investigate on the suitability of some agronomic practices for the conservation of the soil quality and the minimization of soil erosion process within viticulture of the centre and south of Italy.