loading page

Macro- and microelements occurence in soil and plant (leaves) samples of a representative and potentially sustainable Mediterranean vineyard
  • +4
  • RAIMUNDO JIMENEZ-BALLESTA,
  • Sandra Bravo,
  • Caridad Pérez de los Reyes,
  • JOSE A. AMOROS,
  • Jesus Garcia-Pradas,
  • Monica Sánchez,
  • FRANCISCO GARCIA-NAVARRO
RAIMUNDO JIMENEZ-BALLESTA
UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Sandra Bravo
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Author Profile
Caridad Pérez de los Reyes
UCLM
Author Profile
JOSE A. AMOROS
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Author Profile
Jesus Garcia-Pradas
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Author Profile
Monica Sánchez
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Author Profile
FRANCISCO GARCIA-NAVARRO
Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Author Profile

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-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.