Effects of moss restoration on surface runoff and initial soil erosion in a temperate vineyard

Abstract

Abstract. Soil erosion threatens soil fertility and food security worldwide, with agriculture being both a cause and a victim. Vineyards are particularly at risk due to the often steep slopes and detrimental management practices such as fallow interlines and bare soil under the vines. Therefore, the search for alternative management practices becomes vital, and vegetation covers, including mosses, have the potential to reduce soil erosion. However, research on moss restoration as an erosion control method is still in its infancy, and this form of erosion control has never been applied in vineyards. It is thus unclear whether moss restoration can be implemented in vineyards. In this study, the restoration of mosses was investigated by applying artificially cultivated moss mats in a temperate vineyard. The effects of moss restoration on surface runoff and sediment discharge were examined compared to bare soil and cover crops using rainfall simulation experiments (45 mm h−1 for 30 min) with small-scale runoff plots at three measurement times during 1 year (April, June, and October). Mosses initially showed considerable desiccation in summer, whereupon their growth declined. In October, the mosses recovered and re-established themselves in the vineyard, showing a high level of resistance. Moss restoration significantly reduced surface runoff by 71.4 % and sediment discharge by 75.8 % compared with bare soils. While moss restoration reduced surface runoff slightly more and sediment discharge slightly less compared with cover crops (68.1 % and 87.7 %, respectively), these differences were not statistically significant. Sediment discharge varied seasonally for moss restoration, especially from April to June; this is most likely due to the decline in moss cover and the foliage of the vines in June, as concentrated canopy drip points form on the leaves and woody surfaces of the vines, increasing erosion. Overall, moss restoration proved to be an appropriate and low-maintenance alternative for erosion control, as it requires no mowing or application of herbicides. However, future research should address challenges such as preventing moss mats from drying out in summer; developing methods for large-scale application; and evaluating whether mosses significantly impact soil water content, potentially reducing water availability for vines.