Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 51: 239–248, 1998.

239
c 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands.

Compost mulch effects on soil fertility, nutritional status and performance of

grapevine

Flavio Pinamonti
Istituto Agrario di San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy

Received 29 January 1997; accepted in revised form 19 August 1997

Key words: calcareous soil, field trial, heavy metals, plastic film mulch, Vitis vinifera

Abstract

Two composts were tested as mulching materials in a vineyard: one was a sewage sludge and bark compost with a
low heavy metal content, the other was a municipal solid waste compost with a higher concentration of metals. Both
compost mulches increased organic matter content, available phosphorous and exchangeable potassium of soil and
improved the porosity and water retention capacity of the soil. They also reduced soil temperature fluctuations,
reduced evaporation of soil water, and influenced the levels of some nutrients measured in leaf samples. The data
obtained show that the nutrients uptake was more influenced by the physical conditions of the soil (temperature,
moisture) than by the availability of nutrients in the soil. The sewage sludge and bark compost did not cause any
significant increase in heavy metal levels in soil and plants. In contrast, the municipal solid waste compost led to
a notable accumulation of metals in the soil, in the vegetation and in the musts. Both the compost mulch materials
had considerable advantages for the soil management on the grapevine rows, by reducing chemical weed control
and allowing for the substitution of chemical fertilisers with no loss in vigour, yield or quality of musts.

Introduction ature on the effect of compost use on environmental

Compost obtained from the organic fraction of munic-
ipal solid waste, from sewage sludge and from other
selected waste biomasses can be effective fertiliser for
agriculture. They increase the organic matter content
of soil and are a source of nutrients for agricultural
production (Ferreira and Cruz, 1992; Bevacqua and
Mellano, 1993; McConnel et al., 1993; Smith, 1995).
The use of compost is also beneficial to the soil
physical properties: increased porosity, structural sta-
bility, available water content and reduction of erosion
have been noted (Sartori et al., 1985; Guidi et al., 1988;
Ballif et al., 1991; He et al., 1992). The same level of
productivity, both quantitatively and qualitatively, is
maintained by replacing cattle manure with compost
(Beyea et al., 1993; Roe et al., 1993).
The presence of organic and inorganic contami-
nants in compost may, however, constitute a danger
to the environment; the heavy metal content is usu-
ally the main factor leading to restricted agricultural
use of compost (deHaan and vanderZee, 1992). Liter-
heavy metal levels shows it to vary according to the
soil type, plant species and compost quality (Wood-
bury, 1992). Increased Zn, Cu and Pb levels have often
been observed, both in the soil and plants, while only
very slight variations in the other heavy metal contents
have been registered (Petruzzelli et al., 1989; Wood-
bury, 1992; Bevacqua and Mellano, 1993).
The environmental policy pursued by the Italian
Government foresees the compulsory selective collec-
tion of biowaste within the year 2000, increasing the
use of compost for italian agriculture including wine-
growing on about 900,000 ha. According to recent
studies, compost can be usefully applied in viticulture
as mulching material, in order to improve soil structure
in the rows by controlling weeds so that less herbicide
of soil cultivation is required (Ballif et al., 1990; Pina-
monti et al., 1996). Compost mulch also improves
water balance, reduces large fluctuation in soil tem-
perature, increases soil fertility and reduces rain and
erosion damage of soils (Ballif et al., 1991; Pinamonti
et al., 1996).

ICPC: PIPS No.: 148274 BIO2KAP

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240
Table 2. Some properties of the two composts
The most widespread techniques actually used in
Italian viticulture for soil management in the rows are SB compost MSW compost
mechanical cultivation and chemical weeding: they
ensure good control of weeds, are advantageous from Moisture (%) 50.8 41.7
an economic standpoint, but some environmental and pH (1/5) 7.47 7.69
Ash (% DM) 41.0 48.7
agronomic questions arise (erosion, flora replacement,
Organic matter (% DM) 56.5 42.3
interaction with the biological activity of soil, etc.).
C/N 18.5 19.6
Plastic film mulch is also quite spread out, thus prov-
Total N (% DM) 1.77 1.25
ing to be effective in preventing weed growth and ben-
P (% DM) 0.56 0.28
eficial with regard to the vegetative and productive K (% DM) 0.37 0.57
development of plants.
We set up a trial to test the use of two composts as Zn (mg/kg DM) 570 1372
mulching materials in a vineyard. The objectives were Cu (mg/kg DM) 181 373
to verify the effects of compost mulch on soil fertility, Pb (mg/kg DM) 89 518
on the vegetative, reproductive and nutritional status of Ni (mg/kg DM) 20 121
vines and on the qualitative characteristics of products, Cd (mg/kg DM) 1 3
as well as to study the effects on heavy metal levels in Cr (mg/kg DM) 52 250
soil and plants.
Analytical methods: IPLA (1992)

Materials and methods

The trial was started in Spring 1990 on a Merlot limestone parent material and has a medium-sandy tex-
vineyard, situated at the bottom of the Adige Valley ture with stones (Table 1).
(210 m a.s.l.) on a minor slope (15%) with a south- The vineyard, planted in April 1990 with a spacing
west exposure. The calcareous soil, classified as Typic of 1.71.0 m, is grafted on 3309 Couderc and trained
Udorthents (USDA, 1988), is formed from dolomitic with a guyot system.
The experiment entailed the use of two composts
as mulching materials:
produced at the Trento plant
Table 1. Physical and chemical prop-
erties of the soil before the start of the through the treatment of a
trial (1990). SB compost: mixture of urban waste water
purification sludge and poplar
Fraction > 2 mm (%) 23.8
bark (ratio 1:2 vol/vol);
Sand 2000–20 m (%) 65.8 from the Schio (Vicenza) plant
Silt 20–2 m (%) 24.3 from the composting of the
Clay < 2 m (%) 9.9 organic fraction of unsepa-
MSW compost:
rated municipal solid waste,
pH–H2 O 7.63 mechanically selected at the
CaCO3 (% DM) 49.2
plant.
These two different composts were used because
Organic matter (% DM) 2.08 they were representative of the two types of compost
N-Kjeldhal (% DM) 0.13 produced in Italy at the present time: organic waste
C/N 9.29
obtained from separated waste collection with the pos-
P-Olsen (mg/kg DM) 10.4
sible addition of sewage sludge occurs in 33 facilities;
CEC (cmol+ /kg)
unseparated municipal solid waste treatment occurs in
12.1
42 facilities (Zorzi et al., 1995). The mean analytical
K ex. (mg/kg DM) 154
Mg ex. (mg/kg DM) 189
characteristics of the two composts tested are given in
Ca ex. (mg/kg DM) 1826 Table 2.
The trial design was a randomized block of four
Analytical methods: GU (1992). treatments repeated five times. Each plot consisted of

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92 m2 with three rows for a total of 54 vines. The four samples were taken yearly at veraison, according
treatments were: to the procedure reported by Failla et al. (1993);
mechanical cultivation
in the first year and – qualitative characteristics of musts by means of
chemical weed control analysis of samples collected in the years 1992,
Control: with glyphosate in the 1993, 1994 and 1995, following the suggestions of
following years (two Martin Prevel el al. (1987);
sprayings per year); – heavy metal contents (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd e Cr) in
black polyethylene plas- soils, leaves and musts sampled in the years 1992,
tic film (0.12 mm 1993, 1994 and 1995.
PE mulch: thick) spread immedi- The soil analyses were carried out following the
ately after vine planting; methods usually employed internationally and adopt-
a 5 mm thick layer of ed in Italy as the Metodi ufficiali di analisi del suolo
SB compost was applied (G.U., 1992). The analyses of composts were carried
SB compost mulch: immediately after vine out following the IPLA methods (1992). The leaf anal-
planting and reapplied yses were carried out with the procedure described by
again in Spring 1993; Martin-Prevel et al. (1987). The available water con-
a 5 mm thick lay- tent (AW) was calculated as the moisture content at
er of MSW compost -0.33 bar less the moisture content at -15 bar. The total
was applied immediate- porosity of soil was determined on aggregates (1–2 g
MSW compost mulch: weight) impregnated with kerosene and their volume
ly after vine planting
and reapplied again in measured by hydrostatic upthrust in the same liquid
Spring 1993. (Burke et al., 1986). The wet sieving method of Sequi
The control and PE mulch plots were fertilised year- et al. (1974) was used to determine the water stability
ly with 500 kg/ha of a N-P-K fertiliser supplying 60 kg index (WSI) of soil.
N/ha, 37 kg P/ha and 71 kg K/ha. The compost mulch Statistical analysis was carried out on all variables
treatments received no fertilisers. The SB compost measured by means of the SAS (Statistical Analysis
application was estimated to add to the soil approx- System) procedures.
imately 660 kg/ha of organic nitrogen, 210 kg P/ha
and 140 kg K/ha. The MSW compost application was
estimated to add to the soil approximately 530 kg/ha Results and discussion
of organic nitrogen, 119 kg P/ha and 232 kg K/ha.
The main farming operations were carried out in the Effects on soil
same way in all the plots: grass covering on the alleys
(between the rows); sprinkler irrigation; phytosanitary The moisture of compost mulched soil was consistent-
treatments to meet the normal crop protection require- ly higher than in the control and plastic film mulched
ments. A mixture of Lolium perenne var. Elka (40%), plots (Figure 1). The compost improved permeabili-
Festuca rubra var. Dawson (30%) and Poa pratensis ty of water, water storage and reduced evaporation.
var. Baron (30%) was sown on the alleys in Spring The compost mulch also regulated soil temperatures by
1990 (50 kg/ha). reducing the daily and seasonal fluctuation, protecting
The following measurements were made during the the soil against extremes of temperature (Figures 2 and
first six years of the experiment: 3). The plastic film did not allow any input of water,
but reduced evaporation. The plastic film also resulted
– chemical and physical characteristics of the soils.
in extreme soil temperature fluctuations.
Soil samples were taken from the Ap horizon at
Weed growth was reduced by the compost treat-
a depth of 0–30 cm, at the end of each growing
ment to the same extent as in the control (mechanical
season;
tillage and herbicides). However, this positive effect
– vegetative and productive status of the plants, diminished during the first growing season. Therefore,
(grapes and pruning weight produced each year); the compost mulch allowed a reduction of herbicide
– nutritional status of the plants, through analysis of applications. The plastic film reduced weeds up to the
N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn leaf contents. The leaf sixth year (data not shown).

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242

Figure 1. Soil moisture at 20 cm depth on the vine row for the different treatments.

Figure 2. Soil temperature at 20 cm depth on the vine row for the different treatments.

Both composts mulches increased the organic mat-
ter content, total N, available P, exchangeable K, avail-
able water content and porosity of the soil (Table 3).
The SB compost improved the structural stability index
of the soil. Both the compost treatments resulted in a
greater abundance of roots near the soil surface. The
control and plastic film mulched plants had a different
root systems; there was less exploration of the top soil
and more significant development at depth.
Effects on plant nutritional status
Leaf analysis of the grapevines showed that the
compost mulch increased concentrations of K and
decreased concentrations of P, Ca and mg (Table 4).
Concentrations of N, Fe and Mn remained unchanged
throughout the experiment.
The major source of variation in the concentration
of nutrient elements in the leaves was due to different
years (Table 4). The largest source of variation due to

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 243

Figure 3. Soil temperature measured on 18 August 1990 at 20 cm depth on the vine row for the different treatments.

Table 3. Mean (1990 to 1995) chemical and physical properties of the soil as affected by the different treatments.

Treatments pH O.M. N Kjeld. P Olsen K ex. Mg ex. AW Por. WSI

% DM % DM mg/kg DM % DM % vol %
Control 7.58 2.67 b 0.160 b 30.7 b 176 b 203 12.4 b 43.5 b 34.7 b
PE mulch 7.62 2.63 b 0.155 b 28.9 b 177 b 191 12.3 b 43.1 b 33.3 b
SB compost mulch 7.60 3.12 a 0.181 a 38.6 a 215 a 207 13.5 a 45.2 a 41.1 a
MSW compost mulch 7.61 3.08 a 0.177 a 40.1 a 206 a 212 13.1 a 44.8 a 35.7 b
sig.F ns ** ** * * ns * * *

Accounted variability quote (%)

Year 42.5 33.6 36.0 11.0 27.5 28.7 16.2 19.0 6.9
Treatments 4.1 33.2 36.1 42.7 38.1 16.4 35.9 39.2 33.8
Year x Treatments 2.5 11.7 9.9 11.3 4.6 17.2 8.7 10.3 22.4

Error 50.9 21.5 18.0 35.0 29.8 37.7 39.2 31.5 36.9

 
ex.=exchangeable; O.M.=organic matter; Por.=porosity; AW=available water; SWI=water stability index. *, ** and ns = Significant


with P 0.05, P 0.01 and not significant, respectively. Means followed by the same letter are not statistically different (Duncan
test, P 0.05).

treatments was for K, which accounted for 22.5% of
the variation (Table 4).
There were inconsistent relationships between
changes in availability of nutrients in the soil and in
the leaves. Only for K was there a significant increase
recorded both for the exchangeable amount in the soil
and the leaf laminas concentrations. This suggests that
the variations in the plant nutritional status produced
by compost mulch may be correlated to both the chem-
ical characteristics of the soil, and its changed physical
condition. The higher leaf concentrations of Ca and Mg
in the control and plastic film mulched plants – as well
as the lower K amount – can be explained by the depth
at which the root system occurs. In the deeper soil
layers, where the temperature is lower, Ca uptake is
favoured over K uptake (Pinamonti et al., 1995). The
lower concentration of K in the control and PE mulched
plant leaf laminas is attributed to the dehydratation the
top soil layers during the summer months (Figure 1).
The reduced uptake of Mg by the compost mulched
plants can probably be explained by the changed rela-

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244
Table 4. Mean (1990–1995) leaf nutrient concentration for the different treatments (dry weight basis).

Treatments N P K Ca Mg Fe Mn
% % % % % mg/kg mg/kg

Control 2.59 0.157 a 1.31 b 2.18 a 0.313 a 89.1 175

PE mulch 2.61 0.157 a 1.30 b 2.17 a 0.309 a 90.3 178
SB compost mulch 2.58 0.143 b 1.39 a 2.07 b 0.287 b 96.2 175
MSW compost mulch 2.57 0.148 b 1.41 a 2.09 b 0.297 ab 89.8 162

sig.F ns ** ** * * ns ns

Accounted variability quote (%)

Year 80.3 70.5 45.9 56.6 55.1 77.0 54.0
Treatments 3.9 9.8 22.5 8.7 8.5 1.0 3.3
Year x Treatments 3.3 4.7 5.3 7.1 8.6 3.0 6.1

Error 12.5 15.0 26.3 27.6 27.8 19.0 36.6

 

*, ** and ns = Significant with P 0.05, P 0.01 and not significant, respectively. Means followed by the
same letter are not statistically different (Duncan test, P 0.05).

tionship between exchangeable forms of K and Mg in
the soil.
The treatments did not affect the concentration of
N in the leaves, suggesting that the supply of N from
the compost mulches was similar to the supply of N
from fertiliser.
In spite of the increased availability of P in the
soils mulched with compost, the concentration of P
was higher in control plant leaves that received fer-
tiliser P every year. There were more roots at depth for
the control treatment. Plant roots can only take up P
from moist soil. The soil would remain moist longer
at depth, so P uptake may have been greater for the
control treatment. It may not have been possible to
detect greater uptake due to mineralization of P from
the compost mulches, because of the greater uptake of
P from depth by the plants grown on the control plots.
Effects on the vegetative and productive status of
plants
The number of dead vines on compost mulch at the end
of the first vegetative season was 1–2%, significantly
lower than in the control (3.9%) and the plastic film
mulch plots (8.5%). Furthermore, the compost mulch
improved the general performance and the growth of
plants during the first year: the pruning weight was
120–140% higher than in the control plots (Table 5).
However, the differences between the compost mulch
and the control treatment decreased with time, despite
further compost application at the beginning of the
fourth year.
For the first four years, the plastic mulch always
had a significantly higher pruning weight and grape
production. This is prabably due to the reduction of

Table 5. Pruning and grape yields for the different treatments

Treatments Pruning weight (g/vine) Yield of grapes (kg/vine)

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1992 1993 1994 1995

Control 10.9 c 111 b 186 ab 421 ab 248 265 0.94 b 3.33 ab 1.93 2.14 b
PE mulch 36.8 a 136 a 194 a 450 a 241 258 1.09 a 4.09 a 2.16 2.58 a
SB compost mulch 26.2 b 78 c 165 c 363 c 256 271 0.91 b 3.11 b 2.06 2.19 b
MSW compost mulch 23.6 b 98 bc 175 bc 402 bc 241 256 1.13 a 2.84 b 2.33 2.09 b

sig.F ** * * * ns ns * * ns *
 

*, ** and ns = Significant with p 0.05, p 0.01 and not significant, respectively. Means followed by the same letter are not
statistically different (Duncan test, p 0.05).

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Table 6. Mean (1992–1995) qualitative characteristics of must as affected by the different treatments

Treatments SSC Total ac. pH K tot. Tartaric ac. Malic ac.

g/l g/l g/l g/l g/l

Control 192 5.29 3.61 1.92 b 7.32 b 1.84

PE mulch 194 5.35 3.64 2.02 ab 7.25 b 1.97
SB compost mulch 193 5.18 3.65 2.05 a 7.57 a 1.89
MSW compost mulch 191 5.21 3.67 2.06 a 7.63 a 1.92

sig.F ns ns ns ** ** ns

Accounted variability quote (%)

Year 70.6 67.6 68.6 54.0 55.4 71.0
Treatments 4.6 2.1 6.1 26.4 14.0 3.0
Year x Treatments 1.8 4.0 5.5 3.3 1.6 2.9

Error 23.0 26.3 19.8 16.3 19.0 23.1

 

*, ** and ns = Significant with p 0.05, p 0.01 and not significant, respectively.
Means followed by the same letter are not statistically different (Duncan test, p 0.05).

Table 7. Mean (1992 – 1995) heavy metal content in soils, as affected by the different treatments, expressed as mg/kg (dry weigth basis)

Treatments Zn Cu Pb Ni Cd Cr
Total DTPA Total DTPA Total DTPA Total DTPA Total DTPA Total DTPA

Control 109 c 13.6 b 304 113 72.3 b 5.8 b 8.3 b 0.32 b 0.62 b 0.075 b 18.8 b 0.035
PE mulch 107 c 14.1 b 297 105 71.8 b 5.5 b 8.6 b 0.29 b 0.57 b 0.072 b 19.2 b 0.029
SB compost mulch 121 b 19.3 a 300 101 75.0 b 5.3 b 9.3 b 0.31 b 0.60 b 0.077 b 19.5 b 0.030
MSW compost mulch 133 a 20.0 a 303 101 99.2 a 10.4 a 13.3 a 0.48 a 0.96 a 0.116 a 28.3 a 0.039

sig.F ** ** ns ns ** ** ** ** * * ** ns

Accounted variability quote (%)

Year 16.8 19.4 30.5 14.8 26.3 27.4 12.5 10.5 15.1 18.7 23.9 23.3
Treatments 38.3 36.5 0.1 3.7 36.5 33.7 54.5 60.6 40.0 41.0 39.2 10.4
Year x Treatments 8.6 9.2 0.1 0.8 5.9 10.1 4.6 5.8 4.6 6.2 7.1 3.1

Error 36.3 34.9 69.3 80.7 31.3 28.8 28.4 23.1 40.3 34.1 29.8 63.2

 

*, ** and ns = Significant with p 0.05, p 0.01 and not significant, respectively. Means followed by the same letter are not statistically
different (Duncan test, p 0.05).

weeds and to reduced evaporation of water loss. The
limited effect of this treatment recorded in the first year
may be a consequence of the excessive heat beneath
the black plastic film which caused reduced vegetative
development, along with an increase in dead vines.
In summary, the compost mulch had clear posi-
tive effects on soil fertility (higher content of organic
matter and improvement of physical properties) and
it proved effective also as an alternative to chemical
manuring covering. The nutritive elements contained
in compost are released slowly (Sikora, 1995), without
bringing with them physiological imbalances in vines
and a reduction in the quality of products. Furthermore,
the application of compost proved particularly useful
in improving the water balance and thermal conditions
of the soil, thus causing an increase in the vegetative
development of plants during the first year. Later on,
the compost did not have valuable effects on the nutri-
tional, vegetative and productive status of the vines.
The overall data stressed that the contribution of com-
post is justified from the agronomic point of view,
particularly in the installation phase. The following

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246
Table 8. Mean (1992 – 1995) heavy metal concentration in vine leaves, as affected by the
different treatments, expressed as mg/kg (dry weight basis)

Treatments Zn Cu Pb Ni Cd Cr
Control 28.0 279 2.51 0.97 b 0.053 b 0.513
PE mulch 27.6 256 2.52 1.04 ab 0.056 b 0.587
SB compost mulch 29.8 259 2.37 0.95 b 0.048 b 0.519
MSW compost mulch 30.8 285 2.59 1.08 a 0.072 a 0.522

sig.F ns ns ns * ** ns

Accounted variability quote (%)

Year 62.2 53.6 25.9 38.8 31.8 36.4
Treatments 2.9 3.6 2.9 17.7 18.9 2.5
Year x Treatments 5.2 6.1 8.1 5.0 6.7 7.6

Error 29.7 36.7 63.1 38.5 42.6 53.5

 

*, ** and ns = Significant with p 0.05, p 0.01 and not significant, respectively. Means
followed by the same letter are not statistically different (Duncan test, p 0.05).

Table 9. Mean (1992 – 1995) heavy metal concentration in musts, as affected by the different
treatments, expressed as mg/kg (dry weight basis).

Treatments Zn Cu Pb Ni Cd Cr

Control 1.61 17.3 b 0.307 0.248 0.030 b 0.288 b

PE mulch 1.73 17.4 b 0.326 0.197 0.036 b 0.235 b
SB compost mulch 1.75 20.9 ab 0.255 0.239 0.032 b 0.251 b
MSW compost mulch 1.58 22.2 a 0.296 0.241 0.053 a 0.376 a

sig.F ns ** ns ns ** **

Accounted variability quote (%)

Year 65.8 56.6 45.8 58.2 58.3 41.6
Treatments 1.2 12.8 7.6 11.9 23.3 23.4
Year x Treatments 5.3 2.6 15.6 43.9 5.2 4.3

Error 27.7 28.0 40.0 26.0 23.2 30.7

 

*, ** and ns = Significant with p 0.05, p 0.01 and not significant, respectively. Means followed
by the same letter are not statistically different (Duncan test, p 0.05).

applications, although they exert positive effects on
the fertility of soil and enable chemical fertilisation
to be avoided, did not prove advantageous from the
economic point of view.
The plastic mulch caused positive agronomic
effects: a good reduction in weed growth for six years,
greater vegetative development during the growing-up
phase, and an increase in grape production. It should
be pointed out, however, that, when the vines are plant-
ed in late Spring (with high temperatures), laying the
plastic film may turn out to be counterproductive due
to the excessive heat which hinders the plants from
taking taking root. Plastic film mulch, moreover, did
not produce any effect on soil fertility. Finally, this soil
management technique in the rows involves some fur-
ther costs, mainly linked to the removal and disposal
of the cover, which make the economic advantage of
this technique very doubtful.
Effects on the qualitative characteristics of musts
The qualitative characteristics of musts were consider-
ably influenced by the seasonal conditions. The effect
of different years dominated the variation in values

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of the quality assessment (Table 6). The major effect
of the treatments was on the K concentration and on
acidic balance of musts. There were no significant dif-
ferences to be recorded as a result of the plastic mulch.
In the plots treated with both composts, the K and tar-
taric acid contents of the musts were higher than in the
other treatments.
Heavy metals considerations
The two composts tested had different heavy metal
concentration (Table 2): the MSW compost had far
greater heavy metal concentrations than the SB com-
post.
The SB compost only caused a significant increase
in total and DTPA-extractable Zn in the soil; with this
compost the soil concentrations of the other heavy met-
als examined did not show significant changes. In con-
trast, the MSW compost, used over a six-year period,
increased concentrations of total Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and
Cr and of DTPA extractable Zn, Ni, Pb and Cd in the
soil (Table 7), when compared to the control.
The treatments did not have an effect on soil Cu
content, probably because the soil Cu content was
already high due to numerous applications of Cu-based
fungicides. It is normal practice in this winegrowing
area to apply 14–17 kg/ha of Cu to protect the crops
from fungi disease.
Even when soil values were increased, the Zn con-
centrations in vine leaves or musts were no higher
than in the control (Tables 8 and 9). This result is in
contrast with data commonly found in the literature
(Woodbury, 1992). This may be due to the numerous
Zn-based fungicides used, which may have contributed
to masking possible further accumulation in the leaves
and fruit. The normal practice in winegrowing is to
apply 4–5 kg Zn/ha annually on the foliage of vines to
protect the crops.
The SB compost did not change plant uptake of
Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr. This compost had no effect on
the movement of these metals from the soil into the
vegeto-productive organs of the vines.
Following the application of the MSW compost
there was a significant increase in concentration of Ni
and Cd in the leaves and of Cd and Cr in the musts. Both
Ni and Cr are metals of limited mobility and difficult to
assimilate by plants (Dean and Suess, 1985; Petruzzelli
et al., 1989). The MSW compost also enriched the soil
considerably in DTPA-extractable Cd and Pb, great-
ly increasing their uptake by the plants. This result
confirms the indications found in the literature for Cd,
247
which is believed to be the most dangerous element
for human health; this metal, which has no biological
function, is frequently absorbed by and can easily be
accumulated in plants (Korcak, 1989; Cieslinski et al.,
1995; Cieslinski et al., 1996).
In summary, the experiment demonstrated that the
MSW compost increased concentrations of Zn, Ni,
Pb, Cd and Cr in soils and, with the exception of Zn,
in vine leaves and musts. However, no symptoms of
phytotoxicity by metals were observed in the trial. The
SB compost, containing a far lower amount of heavy
metals than the MSW compost, only caused significant
increases in the case of Zn in the soil, and did not
lead to any variation in the concentrations of the other
heavy metals tested. This compost, therefore, can be
considered as a suitable alternative to fertilisers for
sustainable production of grapes.
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