Publications

Droz, B; Payraudeau, S; Martin, JAR; Toth, G; Panagos, P; Montanarella, L; Borrelli, P; Imfeld, G (2021). Copper Content and Export in European Vineyard Soils Influenced by Climate and Soil Properties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 55(11), 7327-7334.

Abstract
Copper-based fungicides (Cu-f) are used in European (EU) vineyards to prevent fungal diseases. Soil physicochemical properties locally govern the variation of the total copper content (Cu-t) in EU vineyards. However, variables controlling Cu-t distribution at a larger scale are poorly known. Here, machine learning techniques were used to identify governing variables and to predict the Cu-t distribution in EU vineyards. Precipitation, aridity and soil organic carbon are key variables explaining together 45% of Cu-t distribution across EU vineyards. This underlines the effect of both climate and soil properties on Cu-t distribution. The average net export of Cu at the EU scale is 0.29 kg Cu ha(-1), which is 2 orders of magnitude less than the net accumulation of Cu (24.8 kg Cu ha(-1)). Four scenarios of Cuf application were compared. The current EU regulation with a maximum of 4 kg Cu ha(-1) year(-1) may increase by 2% of the EU vineyard area, exceeding the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) in soil in the next 100 years. Overall, our results highlight the vineyard areas requiring specific remediation measures and strategies of Cu-f use to manage a trade-off between pest control and soil and water contamination.

DOI:
10.1021/acs.est.0c02093

ISSN:
0013-936X