ERSAF: New Soil Maps for the Future of Viticulture in the Oltrepò Pavese

ERSAF has completed a crucial phase of soil investigations as part of the flagship Spoke6 "VINO" project, aimed at supporting viticulture in the Oltrepò Pavese by creating soil suitability maps in relation to current climatic conditions. These activities, outlined in Task 1.2 "Suitability maps for actual climatic conditions at macro scale," are essential for identifying the region's viticultural potential and guiding agricultural and territorial management decisions.

ERSAF's soil investigations focus on describing a defined number of soil profiles in the mountainous area of the Oltrepò Pavese, with the goal of producing a large-scale map of the region's pedological units. This detailed analysis is fundamental for expanding knowledge of key soil parameters and evaluating the potential for viticultural development in the southern part of the area.

During the spring and summer of 2023, ERSAF conducted a series of preliminary drillings to identify the different soil types in the area. Based on these surveys, a detailed description of the soil profiles was then carried out, allowing the collection of key information on characteristics such as colour, structure, texture, root presence, macropores, and other pedogenetic features. Additionally, mottling due to oxidation-reduction processes and secondary concentrations of carbonates and other minerals were observed.

Between August 2023 and August 2024, 11 soil profiles were described and sampled, with chemical-physical analyses currently underway in the laboratory. These analyses, conducted on samples taken from various horizons of each profile, will provide detailed data that will complement field observations, enabling a more precise understanding of the soils' suitability for viticulture.

The ultimate goal of this study is to support more effective management of the Oltrepò Pavese's viticultural landscape, providing scientific data useful for agricultural planning and soil management. The results of ERSAF's investigations will create a clearer picture of the soil's potential for viticulture in the area, helping inform future decisions for the sustainable development of vineyards in the region.