Project VINO: ERSAF Completes Soil Surveys in the Oltrepò Pavese ERSAF

As part of the Flagship Project VINO of Spoke 6, ERSAF successfully completed the soil surveys planned under Research Module 1, with the objective of enhancing current knowledge of the main soil parameters in the Oltrepò Pavese region. This research is essential for evaluating vineyard suitability on a microscopic scale, focusing on pilot sites.

In collaboration with the research team from the University of Pavia, four experimental sites were selected for field studies using a manual auger. These surveys were conducted by the ERSAF team, which includes geologists, pedologists, and agronomists, resulting in 31 sampling points across the four sites: Montù Beccaria, Costa Cavalieri, Canevino, and Santa Maria della Versa.

During the core sampling, soil samples were analyzed to observe characteristics such as color, mottling due to oxidation-reduction processes, secondary concentrations, and a preliminary estimate of texture. These data allow for the definition of soil stratifications and the assessment of root depth, as well as the identification of any limitations such as shallow water tables or drainage issues.

Each sampling point was georeferenced, documented, and photographed for inclusion in the ERSAF database. The collected soil samples will undergo future physico-chemical laboratory analyses to supplement the information gathered in the field.

These results will contribute to a more precise understanding of vineyard suitability in the region, supporting agricultural management decisions and land use planning.