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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effect of nitrogen fertiliser on nitrogen partitioning and pool sizes in irrigated Sultana grapevines

M. T. Treeby A B C and D. M. Wheatley A
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- Author Affiliations

A Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture, PO Box 154, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.

B Current address: CSIRO Plant Industry-Horticulture Unit, Private Mail Bag, Merbein, Vic. 3505, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: michael.treeby@csiro.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46(9) 1207-1215 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA05238
Submitted: 29 August 2005  Accepted: 13 January 2006   Published: 4 August 2006

Abstract

The growth and nitrogen (N) percentage of the annual components and the N percentage of the perennial components of unfertilised and fertilised (100 kg N/ha.season) irrigated grapevines (Vitis vinifera cv. Sultana syn. Thompson Seedless) were compared over 2 consecutive seasons. Leaf, stem and fruit samples were measured for dry matter yield and N content at about fortnightly intervals during the growing season, and samples of 1–2-year-old wood, trunk, cane and root were sampled for N content at about fortnightly intervals during the growing season and 4-week intervals during dormancy. Total vine biomass was assessed on unfertilised vines following fruit harvest in the second season. Total vine biomass at this time was about 13.1 kg dry matter/vine, 43% of which was below the soil surface. Dry matter and fruit yield of vines did not respond to N application until the second season with an increase in annual biomass and fruit yield of 75 and 140%, respectively. The N contents of all vine organs were related to vine phenology, with N percentage decreasing in all annual parts during the season. The N percentage in perennial parts was lowest near flowering and fluctuated from then until harvest depending on demand by annual parts, principally leaves and fruit, and supply.


Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Commonwealth Cooperative Research Centre Program and conducted through the CRC for Viticulture with support from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, with matching funds from the Federal Government. Ms Glenda Kelly is thanked for her technical assistance, and the proprietors of Paschendale Produce are thanked for providing and maintaining the trial site. Drs Rob Walker and Robert Henriod are thanked for constructive criticism of a draft of this paper.


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