Contribution of nitrogen from agricultural residues of rye to 'Niagara Rosada' grape nutrition

Nitrogen from cover crop residues decomposing on the soil surface may contribute to 'Niagara Rosada' grape nutrition. This study estimated the recovery of N from the decomposition of rye (Secale cereale) residues deposited on the soil surface in vineyards. Rye litter labeled with N-15 was applied in July 2008 on the soil surface of a 'Niagara Rosada' grape (Vitis labrusca) vineyard in Bento Gongalves in the southern region of Brazil. In January 2009 and 2010, 'Niagara Rosada' grape plant organs were sampled, and in January 2010, soil samples were collected in different depths. Total N and N-15 were analyzed in the plant tissue and soil samples. The N derived from the rye litter added to the soil surface was mostly accumulated in the annual and perennial organs of the 'Niagara Rosada' grape at a similar percentage. Most of the N contained in 'Niagara Rosada' grape organs was derived from different N sources rather than rye litter. Thus, the N derived from rye litter apparently contributed little to 'Niagara Rosada' grape nutrition in the short time period. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.