Landscape Modeling and Environmental Implications for Vineyard Cultivation in NW of Spain

Abstract

The cultivation of the vine in Galicia (NW of Spain) has the particularity that it is carried out fundamentally in the valleys and slopes of rivers. This results in a high incidence of cryptogamic diseases. For this reason, copper-based fungicides have been applied to prevent or cure these diseases. This continuous application over the years caused Cu to accumulate in these soils, mainly in the superficial layers. On the other hand, due to the high slopes where this crop is planted, erosion phenomena are important and as a consequence the surrounding waters come into contact with sediments with high concentrations of Cu (more than the soils from which they come). This can negatively affect aquatic organisms that are subjected to high concentrations of Cu. Finally, soil microorganisms can also be negatively affected and even other crops that are later planted in the vineyard, due to changes in land use, which can negatively affect the production and quality of agricultural products.