Quantification of Dust Emissions during Tillage Operations in Steep Slope Vineyards in the Moselle Area

Measurements of dust emissions and the modeling of dissipation dynamics and total values are related to great uncertainties. Agricultural activity, especially soil cultivation, may be an essential component to calculate and model local and regional dust dynamics and even connect to the global dust cycle. To budget total dust and to assess the impact of tillage, measurement of mobilized and transported dust is an essential but rare basis. In this study, a simple measurement concept with Modified Wilson and Cook samplers was applied for dust measurements on a small temporal and spatial scale on steep-slope vineyards in the Moselle area. Without mechanical impact, a mean horizontal flux of 0.01 g m(2) min(-1) was measured, while row tillage produced a mean horizontal flux of 5.92 g m(2) min(-1) of mobilized material and 4.18 g m(2) min(-1) emitted dust from site (=soil loss). Compared on this singular-event basis, emissions during tillage operations generated 99.89% of total emitted dust from the site under low mean wind velocities. The results also indicate a differing impact of specific cultivation operations, mulching, and tillage tools as well as the additional influence of environmental conditions, with highest emissions on dry soil and with additional wind impact. The dust source function is strongly associated with cultivation operations, implying highly dynamic but also regular and thus predictable and projectable emission peaks of total suspended particles. Detailed knowledge of the effects of mechanical impulses and reliable quantification of the local dust emission inventory are a basis for analysis of risk potential and choice of adequate management options.

Automated summary

Measurements and modeling of dust emissions are uncertain. This study applied a simple measurement concept to assess the impact of tillage on dust emissions. Results showed that tillage operations generated a significant amount of dust emissions, with the impact influenced by soil moisture and wind conditions. Understanding the mechanical impulses and quantifying the local dust emission inventory is essential for analyzing risk potential and choosing appropriate management options.