Effect of organic and biodynamic management on chemical characteristics, macrofauna and biological activity of soil in a vineyard of cv. BRS Carmen

Abstract

Organic agriculture is based in the improvement of biodiversity and maintenance of plant cover, that could favor nutrient cycling, soil aggregation, water storage, organic matter maintenance, macro and microorganisms. In this study, we compared the characteristics of the soil in areas with grapevines cv. BRS Carmem cultivated under organic and biodynamic management. The trial was carried out in Guarapuava, Paraná State, Southern Brazil from September 2013, when the grapevines were planted, until June 2017. The soil was handled in the same way in both treatments, but in the plots of biodynamic treatment the following biodynamic preparations were applied: manure horn (500), Equisetun (508) and Fladen. All plants were fertilized with the same organic compost, however, those from the biodynamic treatment received the preparations 502 (Achillea millefolium), 503 (Chamomilla officinalis), 504 (Urtica dioica), 505 (Quercus robus), 506 (Taraxacum officinale) And 507 (Valeriana officinalis). The following soil traits were evaluated: chemical analysis (0-10 and 10-20 cm), quantification of macrofauna of the soil with pittfall trap and soil monoliths, number of cysts of ground-pearls (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis) in the vine roots and ß-glucosidase enzyme activity in soil. Soil with biodynamic preparations showed higher K and H + AL content in both vertical section. It was possible to observe a larger number of ground-pearl cysts in the roots of plants under organic treatment. No statistical difference was observed for ß-glucosidase enzyme activity.