NEMATODE COMMUNITIES AS INDICATORS OF SOIL QUALITY IN VINEYARD SYSTEM: A CASE OF STUDY IN DEGRADED AREAS

The restoring effect of selective agronomic strategies on optimal soil functionality of degraded areas within organic vineyard was evaluated using the nematode community as an indicator of soil quality. Three different restoring strategies were implemented in two organic farms located in Tuscany (Italy). The relative abundance of nematode trophic groups and the maturity index showed that the use of compost improved soil biological quality and increased the abundance of predators. Instead, dry mulching and green manure applications were useful to control the most dangerous nematodes of grapevines, namely the virus-vector Xiphinema index (Longidoridae).