An evaluation of the characteristics and environmental impacts of two different vineyard management systems within the Maltese islands

Abstract

Viticulture can sometimes be criticized for causing a number of environmental problems. To address these, vineyard management systems are shifting towards alternative methods, commonly based on organic farming principles with the aim of reducing the environmental impacts caused by their practices. This study aims to evaluate and compare a number of environmental characteristics, which are influenced by viticulture in both conventional and organic management systems within the Maltese Islands. Soil and grape samples from two conventional vineyards and two vineyards based on organic methods were analyzed and compared. The selection of the parameters investigated was based on the belief that they may be influenced by viticultural practices and can have negative effects on the environment in which they are found. Qualitative data from the vineyard managers about specific viticultural practices complemented the field data. After being tested statistically, the results showed that for some parameters, there were no significant differences between the two management systems, however other key parameters indicated significant impact on the soil chemical profile linked to the type of practices and products used. No significant differences were found when comparing metal content in grape tissue. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis showed that from the data collected, distinct differences were found between the two management systems. Similarities were found between the conventional vineyards as were between the organic vineyards.