In the Mediterranean area the vineyards occupy agricultural land prone to runoff and erosion. Cultivation takes place on the steep hillsides of piedmonts and in areas of high relief. The soil is artificially maintained without plant cover, leaving large areas exposed. Management techniques follow the slope direction and traditional soil conservation practices have been abandoned in favour of new tillage systems. Besides, the region can experience high intensity storms in summer and autumn. These factors place vineyards at serious risk of soil erosion by overland flow