Large amounts of crop residues are produced every year in vineyards. Their disposal is of environmental concern in the main grape-growing areas (Nogales et al., 2012). Most pruning residues are burned but this practice is generally restricted by environmental regulations because of its polluting emissions and negative consequences on air quality. Mulching pruning residues into the soil contributes to maintaining organic matter content. However, this practice may be dangerous in areas infected by diseases as Phomopsis viticola and Botrytis cinerea (Letaief, 2016). As grape leaves and shoots are widely underused as animal feed, this use could help to reduce their environmental impact (Molina-Alcaide et al., 2008).
English