A high-resolution physical modelling approach to assess runoff and soil erosion in vineyards under different soil managements

Straffelini, Eugenio; Pijl, Anton; Otto, Stefan; Marchesini, E.; Pitacco, Andrea; Tarolli, Paolo

doi:10.1016/j.still.2022.105418

Cited by 23 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…Bagagiolo et al (2018) monitored >150 erosive events in non‐terraced vineyards and showed considerably lower sediment concentration in ‘normal’ rainfall events (<16 mm hr ‐1 ) compared to intense storms. Similar findings were found by Straffelini et al (in prep) in comparable vineyards, showing a non‐linear relationship between runoff or sediment flux and varying rainfall intensities (48–182.4 mm hr ‐1 ) that could indicate a threshold value above which accelerated erosion rates occur. Given the increased likelihood of intense rainstorms due to climate change, effective SWC under these conditions is increasingly important.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…The physical SIMulated Water Erosion model (SIMWE; Mitas & Mitasova, 1998) provides spatially distributed simulations of surface processes related to the movement of water and soil particles. Previous SIMWE applications in Mediterranean vineyard conditions yielded satisfactorily and validated results in modelling runoff and erosion processes, ranging from plot scale (Straffelini et al, in prep), to field scale (Pijl et al, 2020), to valley scale (Fernandes et al, 2017). SIMWE consists of two components that can be used separately and are integrated into GRASS GIS software.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…Indeed, roads are a recurring factor underlying erosive processes in each of the five practices compared in this study (with evident examples found in SC3, CC2, CT2, BT4 and OT5, showing relatively high values of sediment flux, erosion and runoff). The SWC challenge caused by tractor paths (ranging from high‐traffic inter‐rows to larger gravel roads) can be attributed to geomorphology as well as soil compaction, as highlighted by Straffelini et al (in prep) and Pijl et al, (2019a), the latter reporting significantly higher erosion rates on vegetated tracks (+32%) and gravel roads (+67%) compared to non‐mechanised vineyards.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Model accuracy was not analysed in the scope of this study, as the primary focus was on drawing a diagnostic comparison between the 5 practices (and potential simulation bias affected the 50 simulations systematically). Previous research by the authors in the same wine production zone, using the same simulation workflow, has nonetheless highlighted suitable model performance based on qualitative and quantitative validation by field observations (Straffelini et al, in prep; Pijl et al, 2020).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…Regardless, even in CT vineyards, a few examples were found of concentrated flows of sediment (Section 3.1) and runoff (Figure B1), indicating that additional mitigation measures are necessary under the conditions simulated here. For instance, sustainable ground cover practices have been shown to significantly reduce runoff and sediment flux (Biddoccu et al, 2016; Galve et al, 2015; Marques et al, 2007), even under intense rainstorm conditions (Straffelini et al, in prep). In addition, while a suitable terracing system is able to absorb sustained precipitation (Arnáez et al, 2015), oversaturation may lead to terrace instability (Camera et al, 2014; Crosta et al, 2003; Preti et al, 2018a) and an improved terrace drainage system may be needed to cope with extreme future meteorological events (Pijl et al, 2019b).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards

et al. 2022

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Understanding the soil and water conservation (SWC) impact of steep-slope agricultural practices (e.g. terraces) has arguably never been more relevant than today, in the face of widespread intensifying rainfall conditions. In Italy, a diverse mosaic of terraced and non-terraced cultivation systems have historically developed from local traditions and more recently from the introduction of machinery. Previous studies suggested that each type of vineyard configuration is characterised by a specific set of soil degradation patterns. However, an extensive analysis of SWC impacts by different vineyard configurations is missing, while this is crucial for providing robust guidelines for future-proof viticulture. Here, we provide a unique extensive comparison of SWC in 50 vineyards, consisting of 10 sites of 5 distinct practices: slope-wise cultivation (SC), contour cultivation (CC), contour terracing (CT), broad-base terracing (BT) and oblique terracing (OT). A big-data analysis approach of physical erosion modelling based on high-resolution LiDAR data is performed, while four predefined SWC indicators are systematically analysed and statistically quantified. Regular contour terracing (CT) ranked best across all indicators, reflecting a good combination of flow interception and homogeneous distribution of runoff and sediment under intense rainfall conditions. The least SWC-effective practices (SC, CC, and OT) were related to vineyards optimised for trafficability by access roads or uninterrupted inter-row paths, which created high upstream-downstream connectivity and are thus prone to flow accumulation. The novel large-scale approach of this study offers a robust comparison of SWC impacts under intense rainstorms, which is becoming increasingly relevant for the sustainable future management of such landscapes.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 67%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards

et al. 2022

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The role of land use and land cover changes in triggering soil losses in the SE Alentejo, Portugal

Roxo,

Cerqueira,

Calvo‐Cases

2023

Land Degrad Dev

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This study analyses and interprets the effects of historical and contemporary land use and cover changes (LULC) on soil erosion in the Serra de Mértola region, Portugal, by using the 58 years of measurements in 8 × 22 m erosion plots at the Vale Formoso Erosion Centre and employing methodologies including field observations, aerial image analysis and Landsat NDVI trend assessment. Land cover and management changes, influenced by agricultural policies since the early 20th century, notably during the wheat campaigns of the fascist regime, have exacerbated soil erosion, with the highest rates observed in vertical fallow (964 g m−2 yr−1), wheat (90 g m−2 yr−1) and horizontal fallow (66 g m−2 yr−1). These practices continue to be somewhat relevant today, as cereal production is still being subsidized. However, Quercus, Pines—introduced since agrarian reforms and Portugal's entry into the common agricultural policy (CAP)—and spontaneous vegetation from CAP's set‐aside policies and recent land abandonment trends show lower erosion rates, underlining vegetation's role in erosion protection. Using NDVI trend analysis, we distinguish between natural fluctuations and land cover changes impacts. Understanding these changes and how they relate to slope and valley floor dynamics, such as incision, aggradation or stabilization, is crucial for recognizing human influences on the earth's surface. Our research highlights sustainable land management's role in reducing soil erosion in desertification‐prone areas.

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Climate change-induced aridity is affecting agriculture in Northeast Italy

Straffelini

Tarolli

2023

Agricultural Systems

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A high-resolution physical modelling approach to assess runoff and soil erosion in vineyards under different soil managements

Cited by 23 publications

References 61 publications

Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards

Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards

The role of land use and land cover changes in triggering soil losses in the SE Alentejo, Portugal

Climate change-induced aridity is affecting agriculture in Northeast Italy

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