Conclusions
The vineyard soils display a heterogeneous concentration in terms of
elemental composition in the study area, with Ca being one of the most
abundant major elements and S below the average world background values.
The small differences between the concentrations of the elements with
depth can be explained by assuming a common source that is primarily
geogenic and pedogenic in nature followed by secondary factors of
ploughing and agricultural practices.
Regarding the pedogeochemical baseline levels, and despite the fact that
the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the vineyard is common, we can
describe the trace element contents as normal for the investigated area,
that is, trace element values associated with potential toxicity in
soils were not found. Indeed, a risk assessment of the elementary
composition of the soils indicated that this does not currently pose a
high risk and that there are no adverse effects caused by PTEs
accumulation in the soils. This is because the farmers are very
sensitive to the environment and they aim to achieve only moderate
yields of grapes per hectare.
The relationships between concentrations of elements in soil versus
leaves indicate that the higher soil contents in Sr, Pb and Cr imply
higher contents of these elements in the leaves, while the V content
decreases in leaf as it increases in the soil. It was found that some
elements were not taken up by the Vitis vinifera , even though
elements like Zr and Rb are present in relatively high concentrations in
the soil.
In conclusion, the present study provides a reference for future
analogous studies in other areas, particulary in a Mediterraenn
environment, but additional research on trace element contents in grape
clusters is required to understand better the transfer of trace elements
from soil to products (grapes and wine).