SOIL ENZYME ACTIVITIES RECOVERY AFTER ORGANIC TREATMENTS OF DEGRADED AREAS WITHIN VINEYARDS

Abstract

Soil enzymes were used to assess the impact of different treatments applied in four farms, each one with three vineyards as replicates, on soil functionality. 8 enzymes related to C, N, S and P cycling were measured and functional diversity indexes were estimated. Three treatments were compared: compost, green manure and dry mulching with respect to degraded and non-degraded soil. The four vineyards showed different enzymatic patterns and response to treatments. Vineyards with the largest difference between degraded and non-degraded soil have benefited more largely from the treatments. In particular, dry mulching seemed to be more effective than green manure or compost, with the exception of San Disdagio. However, the effect the short term.

Keywords

• soil enzymes
• functional diversity
• substrates decomposition
• vineyards degradation