Summary
The widespread use of pesticides raises concerns about their impact on soil health. Although vineyard soils are strongly exposed to both, synthetic pesticides and copper, a systematic, detailed, and joint assessment has been lacking. In our study we measured copper and 146 synthetic pesticides in 62 organic and conventionally managed vineyards at high sensitivity. Up to 60 different pesticides were detected per vineyard. Total pesticide concentrations were almost 13 times higher under conventional compared to organic management. Total copper contamination was high overall with a mean of 371 mg/kg, and no difference between organic and conventional vineyards was found. Pesticide levels declined with increasing years since conversion to organic farming. However, even after 20 years of organi
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