The implications of copper fungicide usage in vineyards for earthworm activity and resulting sustainable soil quality

Ecological and physiological effects of soil management practices on earthworm communities in French vineyards

“…Recently, in addition to ecological studies [27], biochemical biomarkers have been used in some field experiments to assess the physiological disturbances on earthworms due to pollutant exposure [28,29]. However, the indirect impact of farming practices, such as protection against predators, environmental conditions and the availability of pesticide and nutriments, on earthworm physiology in field conditions was still poorly described [30], especially in the vineyards.…”

Assessment of heavy metals in soils of a vineyard region with the use of principal component analysis

“…Cultivation may cause soil contamination by heavy metals, and specifically, by copper in vineyard areas (Deluisa et al, 1996;Giovannini, 1997;Brun et al, 1998;Facchinelli et al, 2001;Parat et al, 2002;Alleoni et al, 2003;Chaignon & Hinsinger, 2003;Chaignon et al, 2003;Eijsackers et al, 2005;Felix, 2005). The effect of this contamination may be reflected in the plant behavior, microbiological processes and the transfer of toxic levels of the elements to man and animals (Nicholson et al, 2003).…”

Changes in the body mass of Megaphyllum kievense (Diplopoda, Julidae) and the granulometric composition of leaf litter subject to different concentrations of copper

“…The toxic impact of metals upon the soil organisms can have both short-term and chronic effects (Carter 1983;Eijsackers et al 2005). In our 30-day experiment, in which acute impacts were not evaluated because only 2% of the specimens died in this period, the primary effect of the experiment upon the animals' body mass was caused by long-term metabolic changes (relating to anabolic and catabolic processes).…”