Soil management and plant protection strategies with reduced use of copper: productive and environmental aspects in a Sangiovese vineyard

Abstract

Plant protection strategies in organic viticulture are based on the application of copper products, which is well known to generate a consistent environmental impact due to the accumulation of copper in soils and its negative effects on edaphic biodiversity. Life Green Grapes is a demonstrative project aiming to improve the sustainability of viticulture throughout the supply chain: from vine nursery to the table. In this paper, we report the main results obtained over three growing seasons (2018-2020) in response to the adoption of a strategy based on a reduced use of copper products in an organic vineyard. Plant protection treatments have been strictly planned according to forecasting models for disease development and fungicides have been partially substituted with products improving plant resistance. Green manure, known for contributing to the health of the vineyard, was also adopted. Results suggest the effectiveness of the “Green Grapes” strategy under low downy mildew pressure. Furthermore, no declines in grape quality have been observed; on the contrary, the synergic effect of green manure and substances beneficial to plants improved yield. An overall positive influence on the edaphic biodiversity was also observed.