Copper Content and Export in European Vineyard Soils Influenced by Climate and Soil Properties

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Copper-based fungicides (Cu f ) are used in European (EU) vineyards to prevent fungal diseases. Soil physicochemical properties locally govern the variation of the total copper content (Cu t ) in EU vineyards. However, variables controlling Cu t distribution at a larger scale are poorly known. Here, machine learning techniques were used to identify governing variables and to predict the Cu t distribution in EU vineyards. Precipitation, aridity and soil organic carbon are key variables explaining together 45% of Cu t distribution across EU vineyards. This underlines the effect of both climate and soil properties on Cu t distribution. The average net export of Cu at the EU scale is 0.29 kg Cu ha –1, which is 2 orders of magnitude less than the net accumulation of Cu (24.8 kg Cu ha –1 ). Four scenarios of Cu f application were compared. The current EU regulation with a maximum of 4 kg Cu ha –1 year –1 may increase by 2% of the EU vineyard area, exceeding the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) in soil in the next 100 years. Overall, our results highlight the vineyard areas requiring specific remediation measures and strategies of Cu f use to manage a trade-off between pest control and soil and water contamination.