Study of different soil management techniques to improve the cultivation of the vine and encourage its sustainability

The vine is a crop of great economic and social importance in many regions of the world. However, climate change threatens its viability, making adaptation strategies essential to maintain its cultivation and minimize environmental impact. This thesis analyzes the use of organic mulches under the vine row as a management strategy in vineyards, evaluating their impact on soil, vine development, and the quality of grapes and wine, with the goal of promoting more sustainable viticultural practices without compromising the quality of the final product. This study is based on a four-year agronomic trial in which three organic mulch treatments and two conventional soil management practices were evaluated in two different vineyards. The organic mulches included grapevine pruning debris (GPD), wheat straw (Triticum sp.) (STR), and post-cultivation mushroom substrate (SMC), the latter enriched with animal manure and urea. The conventional soil management practices included tillage under the row (TILL) and herbicide application (HERB). To evaluate the treatments, the study analyzed soil water content and temperature, the physical and chemical properties of the soil and applied mulches, weed control and population dynamics, vine water status, leaf gas exchange, vegetative growth, yield, phenolic profiles in shoots, leaves, and berry skins, as well as grape and wine quality parameters, including organoleptic assessment. The results indicated that the effects of organic mulching depend on the type of mulch used and the soil properties of the vineyard. Although some effects varied between vineyards due to initial soil conditions, several common trends were observed across all treatments in both fields. Organic mulches, especially STR and SMC, increased the availability of water and nutrients in the soil. SMC provided short-term benefits, while STR and GPD contributed to long-term improvements. The high C/N ratio of STR and GPD suggests slower degradation and gradual nutrient release, while SMC, with its fine particle size, low C/N ratio, and high nitrogen content, offered rapid nutrient availability. STR and GPD acted as physical barriers, effectively reducing weed presence (<30%), whereas nutrient-rich SMC promoted excessive weed growth (>80%). SMC application improved vine growth and yield in vineyards with nutrient-poor soils without significantly affecting vine water status or physiological parameters. However, SMC increased soil electrical conductivity (0.78 dS/m) in soils without nutrient deficiencies and with higher water content, which could limit water and nutrient uptake and exacerbate vine water stress. These effects were reflected in the phenolic profile of vine tissues and berries. When soil management practices alleviated vine stress—particularly in nutrient-poor soils with SMC—more resources were allocated to primary metabolism, favoring vegetative growth and yield but reducing secondary metabolism and phenolic biosynthesis. Differences in the phenolic profile composition of vine tissues between STR and GPD mulch treatments and conventional practices (HERB and TILL) were minimal. Grapes, must, and wine produced with organic mulches, particularly SMC, showed higher potassium concentrations and increased must pH levels. Additionally, in Field 1, where SMC treatment improved vegetative growth, the phenolic content of the wine was reduced. Despite these changes, all grape and wine quality parameters remained within optimal winemaking ranges, with no significant differences in organoleptic properties among the soil management treatments in either vineyard. Organic mulches represent a valuable soil management strategy in viticulture, as they enhance vineyard sustainability by improving soil properties and reducing the impact of climate change on the vine. In summary, organic mulches support vine physiological development, increasing growth and yield without compromising grape and wine quality. Nonetheless, periodic soil assessments are essential to adjust mulching strategies to the specific needs of the vineyard and ensure optimal vine development and grape quality.

Grantor dc:publisher

Universidad de La Rioja (España)

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Mairata, Andreu

Contributors dc:contributor

• Pou Mir, Alicia (Universidad de La Rioja)
• Portu Reinares, Javier (Universidad de La Rioja)

Statement dc:rights

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Language dc:language

eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/oaites?codigo=385805

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dialnet.unirioja.es:TES0000023192