scholarly journals Mineralogical and Geochemical Nature of Calcareous Vineyard Soils from Alcubillas (La Mancha, Central Spain)

Author(s):  
Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta ◽  
Sandra Bravo ◽  
Jose A. Amorós ◽  
Caridad Pérez-de los Reyes ◽  
Rosario García-Giménez ◽  
...  

The mineralogical and geochemical patterns of calcareous vineyard soils located in Alcubillas (La Mancha, Central Spain) have been evaluated; also their variability has been studied. The information provided by this study supports the assessment of geochemical spatial variability, the origin of these soils, their elements and the factors that control their distribution. The presence of quartz, calcite, feldspar and, in particular, illite and kaolinite is due to their inheritance from surrounding lithologies (and pedological processes), which mostly include limestones, marls and other sedimentary rocks, as well as metasedimentary rocks of Hercynian origin. Furthermore, since the presence and accumulation of certain trace elements in vineyard soils is a relevant global hazard (in particular with respect to wine production quality), the spatial distributions of Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Rb, Sr, V and Zr (carried out using geostatistical techniques and geometry-based interpolation methods) were investigated in order to determine the origin of these trace elements. The presence of these elements can be interpreted as being due to geogenic, pedogenic and, in certain cases, anthropic influences. The nature of certain agricultural practices, including the use of fertilizers, phytosanitary products and machinery, could explain the local increases in some trace element contents.

Author(s):  
RAIMUNDO JIMENEZ-BALLESTA ◽  
Sandra Bravo ◽  
Caridad Pérez de los Reyes ◽  
JOSE A. AMOROS ◽  
Jesus Garcia-Pradas ◽  
...  

The study reported here concerns the geochemical distributions of macro- and trace elements (including potentially toxic elements, PTEs) in the vineyard soils of Alcubillas, which is one of the oldest, albeit not world-reknowned, wine-growing areas in La Mancha (Central Spain). Soil and leaf samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to ascertain the levels of various elements in the soil and the plant. The potential toxicity of the elements was assessed with regard to the development of the vineyard. Despite the fact that fertilizers and pesticides are employed in the vineyards in this area, the results showed that the levels of trace elements in the soil samples did not exceed the reference values according the pedogeochemical values for the region and Spain. This finding suggests that the study area is not polluted. The Biological Absortion Coefficient (BAC) was calculated to assess the assimilation of various elements from the soil to the leaves, and differences were found in the element absorption capacity of the vines. Some elements were not taken up by Vitis vinifera despite elements like Zr and Rb being present in relatively high concentrations in the soil. The production in these soils of grapes and wine does not represent a threat to human health or the ecosystem, because the farmers in this area are extremely careful to preserve the environment and they only farm to achieve moderate yields of grapes per hectare.


2022 ◽  
Vol 233 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Jiménez-Ballesta ◽  
S. Bravo ◽  
J. A. Amorós ◽  
C. Pérez-de-los-Reyes ◽  
J. García-Pradas ◽  
...  

Abstract The study reported here concerns the geochemical distributions of macro- and trace elements (including potentially toxic elements, PTEs) in the vineyard soils of Alcubillas, which is one of the oldest, albeit not world-renowned, wine-growing areas in La Mancha (Central Spain). Soil and leaf samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to ascertain the levels of various elements in the soil and the plant. The potential toxicity of the elements was assessed with regard to the development of the vineyard. Despite the fact that fertilizers and pesticides are employed in the vineyards in this area, the results showed that the levels of trace elements in the soil samples did not exceed the reference values according the pedogeochemical values for the region and Spain. This finding suggests that the study area is not polluted, and therefore, there are hardly any traces of anthropogenic contamination. The Biological Absorption Coefficient (BAC) was calculated to assess the assimilation of various elements from the soil to the leaves, and differences were found in the element absorption capacity of the vines. Some elements were not taken up by Vitis vinifera despite elements like Zr and Rb being present in relatively high concentrations in the soil. The production in these soils does not represent a threat to human health or the ecosystem, because the farmers in this area are extremely careful to preserve the environment and they only farm to achieve moderate yields of grapes per hectare.


2018 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A. Amorós ◽  
S. Bravo ◽  
C. Pérez-de-los-Reyes ◽  
F.J. García-Navarro ◽  
J.A. Campos ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Brugarolas ◽  
L. Martinez-Carrasco ◽  
R. Bernabeu ◽  
A. Martinez-Poveda

AbstractIn this research an alternative is proposed for viticulture producers that would allow them to maintain their income and prevent the abandonment of their agricultural activity. The proposed alternative is the production of organic wine with subsequent commercialization in the local market. The suitability of the alternative is measured by the acceptance of the product in local markets. This acceptance was determined through contingent valuation, which relates probability of purchase to willingness to pay (WTP). Since regional differences could exist for product acceptance, the preliminary hypothesis was formulated that the importance of the viticulture sector in the regional economy makes consumers value farm work more highly and pay more for sustainable agricultural practices. Two regions of Spain were taken into consideration because of the different weight of their agricultural activity: Castile-La Mancha and the Community of Valencia. A survey of 800 wine consumers was made (400 from each region) to determine WTP. From the results it was shown on the one hand that organizing organic wine in local markets can be a profitable alternative for wine producers and, on the other hand, consumers from regions where wine production shares a larger proportion of the regional economy are willing to pay more for organic wine.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 3100-3114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Bravo ◽  
Efrén García-Ordiales ◽  
Francisco Jesús García-Navarro ◽  
José Ángel Amorós ◽  
Caridad Pérez-de-los-Reyes ◽  
...  

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta ◽  
Sandra Bravo ◽  
José Angel Amorós ◽  
Caridad Pérez-de los Reyes ◽  
Jesús García-Pradas ◽  
...  

The essential features of the soils of a pilot zone in La Mancha (Central Spain), namely the Alcubillas municipability, have been characterized. The soil properties that may contribute to a better understanding of the impact of soil on grape production have also, been evaluated. For this, several soil profiles have been described and analyzed and the profiles have been mapped. The soils are mainly Entisols, Inceptisols and Alfisols, with their evolution controlled by the action of a xerophytic Mediterranean climate. Most of these soils have a loamy clay texture, with medium clay contents and sufficient nutrient contents (despite the low content in organic matter 1.39% and 1.04%, and the high concentrations of calcium carbonate 23.7% and 26.9% in the surface and subsurface horizons, respectively). Drainage problems were not observed and it can therefore be stated that the Alcubillas vineyards are based on a ‘terroir’ term for the production of high quality grapes. In general, the soils are not subjected to treatments to control possible diseases or pests and we have therefore postulated that the soils represent the ideal scenario to establish a distinctive zone and for the increasingly valued ecological and natural viticulture.


2009 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trajče Stafilov ◽  
Irina Karadjova

This article reviews methods for the determination and identification of trace elements in wine by using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Wine is one of the most widely consumed beverages and strict analytical control of trace elements content is required during the whole process of wine production from grape to the final product. Levels of trace elements in wine are important from both points of view: organoleptic – Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations are directly related to the destabilization and oxidative evolution of wines, and toxicological – toxic elements content should be under the allowable limit, wine identification. The identification of metals in wine is subject of increasing interest since complexation may reduce their toxicity and bioavailability. AAS is one of widely used methods for routine analytical control of wine quality recommended by the International Organization of Vine and Wine. Two main approaches – preliminary sample digestion and direct instrumental measurement combined with AAS for trace element determination in wines are reviewed and discussed. Procedures for various sample pretreatments, for trace element separation and preconcentration are presented. Advances in metal identification studies in wines based on AAS are presented.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
María Pilar Aguirre ◽  
Joaquin Ortego ◽  
Pedro J. Cordero

Grazing is an influential land use that has introduced profound changes in worldwide landscapes, ecosystems and their species. In this paper, we analysed the influence of grazing on the presence and abundance of the endangered Mioscirtuswagneri, a monophagous grasshopper inhabiting inland hypersaline ecosystems in Spain and showing a marked spatial and genetic fragmentation. Using count transects, we analyzed the presence and abundance of this grasshopper in relation to specific vegetation cover and the abundance of goat and sheep droppings, considering this variable as a surrogate of livestock activity and grazing impact. We found that both the presence and abundance of M.wagneri were positively related to the cover of its host plant Suaedavera and negatively associated with the abundance of droppings. We conclude that dropping abundance is a useful parameter to assess livestock impact and evaluate habitat quality and the conservation status of M.wagneri and many other singular species of macroinvertebrates inhabiting inland hypersaline ecosystems. We highly recommend the use of electric shepherd fencing around all sensitive and protected areas where inland hypersaline ecosystems are present in order to deter livestock. We also suggest intensive educational campaigns for farmers and shepherds, revealing the ecological importance of these singular and unique habitats for rare and exclusive species like M.wagneri and many other coexisting plants and invertebrates.


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