GULLY EROSION IN VINEYARD PARCELS IN THE NE SPAIN.
A STUDY OF DETERMINING FACTORS

A. Meyer & J.A. Martinez-Casasnovas
Department of Environment & Soil Science
University of Lleida (Spain)




Vineyard cropping systems and terrain characteristics in the NE Spain Mediterranean area favour gully development. Many parcels have been redesigned to achieve longer vine rows and lower slope degrees to facilitate mechanisation. This has implied huge soil movements that have not been effective to avoid gully erosion. To know about gully erosion related factors in vineyard parcels of NE Spain Mediterranean area, two representative catchments, of approximately 20 km2 each, in the Alt Penedes-Anoia region were studied. A total of 40 parcels (20 with evidences of gully erosion and 20 without evidences) were sampled, taking measurements of slope length, degree and form, aspect, vine rows orientation, flow concentration in the parcel, connection of channels to main networks, soil characteristics, erosion control measures, etc. The statistical analysis reveals slope degree and terrain roughness as the most important terrain relted determining factors; and top layer characteristics as clay content, organic matter content and surface stoniness as soil related determining factors. Regarding vineyard management practices, convergence of water flow in drainage channels and terraces, and presence of areas with incoherent materials are the most important factors determining gully erosion. This study was carried out within a GIS environment, and the output information can be used for effective gully control plans and vineyard parcel design in Mediterranean area (NE Spain).