English
Deutsch
Español
Eesti
VITISOM LIFE
VITiculture Innovative Soil Organic Matter management: variable-rate distribution system and monitoring of impacts.
Nowadays vineyard soil is subject to an increasing organic matter erosion in relation to the transition to intensive farming systems which generates a reduction of row spacing and a fast evolution of vineyard mechanization. The importance of organic matter content in the soil is already known since a long time; however, it has recently been mostly enhanced in relation to the progress of knowledge linked to the soil study.
In particular, the positive function of the organic matter on soil is related to:
a: general improvement of the conditions of fertility, since the organic matter represents a source of stable nitrogen which constitutes a pool of elements for the vine;
b: positive effect on soil structure, water retention and availability of nutrients;
c: an improvement of the structure and the chemical, physical and biological properties of soil.
LIFE VITISOM aims to introduce an innovative system to manage organic fertilisation of vineyard that allow to contrast both organic matter decline and to improve vineyard soils homogenization.
Specifically the promotion of the rational use of organic fertilizers allows both to preserve and restore organic matter in vineyard soils, according to the EU Organic and Integrated protocol.
Partners:
- Università degli Studi di Milano (coordinating beneficiary)
- Guido Berlucchi & C. Spa
- Casella Macchine Agricole Srl
- Castello Bonomi Tenute in Franciacorta Società Agricola Srl
- Azienda Agraria degli Azzoni Avigadro Carradori
- Consorzio Italbiotec
- Università degli Studi di Padova
- West Systems Srl
Description of the project:
The objective of the VITISOM LIFE project is to introduce an innovative organic fertilisation system as a strategy to enhance vineyard soil protection, in relation to the EU Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection. The project aims to support sustainable soil management in the viticulture sector, through the development of a “Variable-rate technology” for organic fertilisation in vineyards. While it is already used for field crop management, the innovation consists in applying it to viticulture and in using organic fertilisers instead of chemical ones, so encouraging the diffusion of organic farming.
The project also aims to provide cost-effective solutions for the improvement of existing viticulture practices in order to promote the conservation of the environmental functions of soils. Its methodology supports the transition to a more sustainable farming, as well as the prevention of soil erosion and organic matter decline in the viticulture sector. The project has relevant synergies with other EU policies, in particular the EU Rural Development Policy, the EU Cohesion Policy, the ERDF – Regional Operational Programmes, and the Rural Development Programmes of the four Italian regions involved.
Contact
Consorzio Italbiotec
