Some Aspects of Epigean Nutrition of Grapevines

Abstract

The nutritional needs of grapevines are very diverse and related to the production of the grapes (which in turn is related to the vegetative activity), to the form of cultivation of the vine, to the variety, to the root-stock, etc. According to research done by the author in Italy, the consumption of macro and microelements by the grapes, the vine shoots and leaves, are in proportions deducible by table 1. The loss of elements (by washing away, etc.) which, on an annual basis can become considerably severe, must be added to the consumption amount.

For various reasons, often the nutritional needs (consumption + loss) are not covered by the fertilizers or the natural reserves of the soil.

Particularly in Italian viticulture there has been an increase in the cases of deficiencies in mesonutritive (Mg) and micronutritive (Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu, etc.) elements.

Research Work Supported by M.P.I