Sustainability of Machinery Traffic in Vineyard

Viticulture involves significant levels of machinery traffic, causing heavy soil compaction. In particular, the compaction subsoil is increased; a deep tillage could certainly solve problem, but risk damage to plants’ root system high. The aim this study was investigate trend both top- and sub-soil in hillside vineyard located Tuscany (Italy), investigating different machine-implement combinations, i.e., self-propelled or narrow tractor coupled implements. tests were repeated periodically along entire growing season, approximately every 6–8 weeks (end May, end July first decade October). A single test included at least 50 sample measurements, recorded randomly each inter-row investigated. surveyed field, inter-rows alternatively covered with grass, tilled top layer during previous wintertime. Two experimental sets developed: involved use two implements (a sprayer grape harvester) towed by tractors, while second pesticide distribution harvesting performed properly equipped tool carrier. All other farming operations executed using same cases. Balanced carrier traditional tractor-implement combination allows better (in particular top-soil), thus improving root-growing efficiency.