Methods for fertilising vines with nitrogen while ensuring soil conservation

Nitrogen plays a vital role in the functioning of vines and has significant impacts on grape yields. With mineral fertiliser, organic fertiliser and soil conservation techniques, all nitrogen control methods are important when it comes to the quantitative and qualitative management of grapes.

Nitrogen needs in vines

Although vital to their physiology and metabolism (growth and protein synthesis), the nitrogen demands of vines remain relatively low, between 20 and 40 units of nitrogen per hectare for wine grapes. These demands can double for greater production per hectare, depending on the desired level of vigour.

 Nitrogen demands increase during the flowering stage and up until veraison. Given that these take place over several months, the nitrogen demands of vines can be at least partially fulfilled through the mineralisation of the soil’s organic matter. This mineralisation depends on weather conditions (temperatures, humidity, etc.), soil type (clay content, pH), and the quality of the restoration of organic matter by winegrowers.

 

Organic fertilisation and soil cultivation in vines

For a long time, ploughing was the primary means of weeding. Synthetic treatments have caused a shift away from this practice with the following consequences:

  • A decline in biological activity, and therefore mineralisation, increasingly notably with increased treatments
  • Soil compaction linked to a drop in fauna and microflora
  • Erosion due to a lack of penetration of rainwater in crusted soil

To avoid these phenomena, reduce the use of synthetic products while ensuring soil conservation and allow sufficient mineralisation to provide vines with nitrogen, combining moderate and shallow soil cultivation and better management of organic matter and grass cover remains the best option.

 

Maintaining the nitrogen fertilisation of vines through grass cover and organic matter

Grinding of large vine shoots generates ligneous humus under the effect of fungi, which helps stabilise the fragile soils of slopes, vulnerable to erosion.

Likewise, plant cover is increasingly used in vineyards. This grass cover helps protect against erosion and recycles nitrates during their recovery and mineralisation by bacteria. Sometimes in competition with vines for water and mineral elements, this technique avoids yield surplus when designations of origin guarantee quality.

Lastly, applying organic matter (compost, manure) is an efficient means to measure the nitrogen input on a vineyard plot. Make sure to check the C/N ratio before use, as this provides a good indicator of its mineralisation profile. A C/N ratio of around 25 is considered balanced. Make sure to also ensure good activity in soil life. The biological activity index of a soil analysis is a good benchmark.

Lastly, nitrogen in the form of mineral fertiliser can be an option in the case of correct management of organic matter and a diagnosed deficiency. An ammonium form should be favoured with regard to the soil’s microorganisms.

Share post

Contact us

    The website is edited by Fertilux S.A.

    The publication director is Monika KUCHTAKOVA

    PROTECTED RIGHTS

    The constituent elements of the current website, developed and hosted by Dotcom Luxembourg S.A, are protected by the applicable legislation on copyright, trademark law, design law and unfair competition.

    They include in particular the architecture, the graphic charter (including the colors, the character policies and the graphic organization of the screens), as well as all the information and elements available on the website, such as in particular the texts, articles, photographs, illustrations, images, brands and logos.

    Any reproduction, representation, distribution and / or exploitation of all or part of these elements, by any means, in any form and for any purpose whatsoever, is prohibited without the prior express written consent of Fertilux S.A.

    Anyone who does not comply with the applicable legal provisions is guilty of the offense of counterfeiting and is liable to the criminal sanctions provided for by law, notwithstanding any other recourse by Fertilux S.A ..

    TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION AND APPLICABLE LAW

    The Luxembourg Courts are competent to hear disputes that may relate to the use, interpretation and execution

    information and data appearing on this site.

    The applicable law is Luxembourg law.