Effects of Tractor Passes on Hydrological and Soil Erosion Processes in Tilled and Grassed Vineyards

Grass-covered vineyard inter-rows significantly reduce runoff and soil loss compared to tilled inter-rows, especially during wetter conditions. A two-year study in the Alto Monferrato region of Piedmont, Italy, found that grass cover reduced runoff by 76% and soil loss by 83% relative to tillage, highlighting its effectiveness in mitigating erosion. The research also demonstrated that tractor traffic increases soil compaction, particularly in tilled vineyards, which negatively impacts hydrological properties such as infiltration rates and bulk density. These findings underscore the importance of limiting machine traffic to preserve soil structure and reduce erosion risks, offering practical insights for sustainable vineyard management.

Capello, G., Biddoccu, M., Ferraris, S., & Cavallo, E. (2019). Effects of Tractor Passes on Hydrological and Soil Erosion Processes in Tilled and Grassed Vineyards. Water, 11(10), 2118. https://doi.org/10.3390/w11102118