What is it about?
Copper distribution in European topsoils: an assessment based on LUCAS soil survey The study addresses the factors influencing Cu distribution in topsoil at European scale with specific focus on agricultural lands using the results of a large sampling campaign at European scale. High levels of Cu found in vineyards, olive groves and orchards. different agricultural management practices have a relevant influence on Cu concentration. Besides the traditional use of copper as a fungicide for treatments in several permanent crops, the combined effect of soil properties such as high pH, soil organic carbon and clay, with humid and wet climatic conditions favours copper accumulation in soils of vineyards and tree crops.
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Why is it important?
Pollution by heavy metals in agricultural soils is a particularly pressing concern since it affects food safety and security. Elements that are considered as micronutrients, such as copper (Cu), are particularly relevant because plants tend to uptake them and accumulate the excess in their tissues. Over the past decades, Cu has been extensively used as a fungicide, especially in vineyards to combat mildew. The application of Cu has created an issue with the accumulation of Cu in vineyard soils and groundwater.
Perspectives
A more sustainable land management would allow limiting the environmental and health risk associated with the high copper concentrations in vineyards. As wine production is a key agricultural and economical sector in EU, a call for a more environmentally aware management and soil friendly solution is necessary.
Dr Cristiano Ballabio
European Commission Joint Research Centre Ispra Sector
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Copper distribution in European topsoils: An assessment based on LUCAS soil survey, The Science of The Total Environment, September 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.268.
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