Nutrient Management Effects on Wine Grape Tissue Nutrient Content

With limited research supporting local nutrient management decisions in North Carolina grape (Vitis vinifera) production, field studies (2015-17) were conducted to evaluate late season foliar nitrogen (N) application on leaf and petiole N concentration and yeast assimilable N (YAN) in the fruit. Foliar urea (1% v/v) was applied at different rates and application times beginning pre-and post-veraison. Compared to soil applied N, late season foliar N substantially enhanced petiole N and grape YAN. Smaller split N applications were generally more effective in increasing YAN than single larger N rates. These data demonstrate the value of assessing plant N content at full bloom with petiole N analysis or remote sensing to guide foliar N management decisions. Additional field studies (2008-11) were conducted to evaluate pre-bud soil applied phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) effects on petiole P and K nutrient status. Fertilizer P and K were initially broadcast applied (0-896 kg P2O5 ha(-1); 0-672 kg K2O ha(-1)) prior to bud-break in 2008-09 and petiole P and K at full bloom soil test P and K were monitored for three to four years after application. Soil test and petiole P and K were significantly increased with increasing P and K rates, which subsequently declined to near unfertilized levels over the sampling time depending on site and P and K rate applied. These data demonstrate the value of annually monitoring petiole P and K levels to accurately assess plant P and K status to better inform nutrient management decisions.

Automated summary

Limited research supports local nutrient management decisions in North Carolina grape production. Late season foliar nitrogen application increases nitrogen concentration in grapes, and smaller split nitrogen applications are more effective in increasing yeast assimilable nitrogen. Monitoring petiole phosphorus and potassium levels accurately assesses plant nutrient status and informs nutrient management decisions.