RESEARCH – COMPACTION
Soil compaction has been recognized as a serious problem in mechanized agriculture and has an influence on many soil properties which control crop production and quality of environment. Soil in vineyards is subject to compaction caused by tillage operation and traffic (associated with soil tillage, application of chemicals and grape harvesting), and is suspected to have a long-term effect on vineyard production. Furthermore, as in perennial crops of area under study these operations are carried out mainly in autumn and spring, often rainy periods, the risk of encountering wet soil conditions, a crucial factor for soil compaction, is high. Indication of soil compaction due to tractor traffic in vineyard and ploughingdepth have been reported locally and for limited study period. In addition, controlled grass cover management may prevent soil structural degradation and erosion and may improve soil trafficability and processing.
Compaction