Vineyard Nutrient Management
(book excerpts)Nutrition remains a crucial aspect of managing a vineyard, as it influences vine growth, crop yield, berry composition, and ultimately, the quality of must and wine. A “one program fits all” approach is not achievable, as nutritional requirements must be tailored to a range of variables, including grape variety, rootstock, vine age, soil type and properties, water and irrigation supply, production and wine quality expectations, and management history. To develop a suitable nutrition program on an individual block basis, growers must approach nutrition holistically, utilizing the latest technology and suitable fertilizer products, with a focus on improving or maintaining soil health so that vines can access the majority of their nutrient requirements. The nutrients in the soil and vines must be monitored on a continual basis and maintained for optimal efficiency. Since this situation is constantly changing, it is best to establish a regular program of soil and tissue (e.g., petiole or leaf blade) sampling and analysis to prevent mineral deficiencies and unnecessary fertilizer applications. The interpretation of the analysis of tissue and soil samples should always be used in conjunction with visual observations made in the vineyard. Although the mineral elements are needed in different quantities, each one plays an essential role in completing the vine’s life cycle. Macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium are used in relatively large quantities by vines. Micronutrients such as boron, iron, manganese, zinc, and molybdenum, although no less essential, are needed in very small amounts. When one or more of these elements is deficient, vines may exhibit reduced growth or yield and greater susceptibility to diseases and winter injury. This may also result in other problems, such as fruit with a low or high pH, poor color, low phenolics, stuck fermentations, and undesirable flavors. The availability of essential nutrients is, therefore, critical for optimum vine performance and profitable wine grape production.
Topics Within This Chapter:
- Essential Grapevine Nutrients
- Nitrogen
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Nitrogen Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Nitrogen Toxicity
- Phosphorus
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Phosphorus Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Phosphorus Toxicity
- Potassium
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Potassium Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Potassium Toxicity
- Magnesium
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Magnesium Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Potassium Toxicity
- Zinc
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Zinc Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Zinc Toxicity
- Boron
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Boron Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Boron Toxicity
- Manganese
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Manganese Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Manganese Toxicity
- Molybdenum Toxicity
- Iron
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Iron Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Iron Toxicity
- Molybdenum
- Role and Deficiency Symptoms
- Assessing the Need for Molybdenum Fertilizer
- Time of Application
- Application Methods
- Soil Factors Affecting Availability
- Conditions Affecting Nutrient Availability to Grapevines
- The Concept of the Limiting Factor
- Soil and Water Conditions
- Soil pH
- Soil Texture
- Soil Compaction
- Soil Moisture
- Soil Temperature
- Nutrient Mobility in Soils
- Water Quality
- Vine Management
- Rootstock Selection
- Fertilizer Antagonisms
- Weather and Climate
- Diagnosing Grapevine Nutrient Deficiencies
- Common Deficiency Symptoms
- Nutrient Mobility within the Plant
- Monitoring Nutrient Status
- Visual Symptoms of Grapevine Nutrient Deficiencies
- Soil Analysis for Grapevines
- Pre-Vine Soil Analysis of Vineyard Site
- Sampling Soil from Established Vineyards
- Tissue Analysis for Grapevines
- Time of Sampling
- Seasonal Variations in Nutrients
- Leaf Blade versus Petiole Sampling
- Site Selection
- Tissue Selection
- Bloom
- Veraizon
- Handling Samples
- Interpreting the Analyses
- Record Keeping
