Application of the EUF procedure in grape production

Summary

The relationships between the nutrient contents in vine leaves and grape yield on the one hand and the nutrient contents in the soil on the other are described on the basis of results from pot and field experiments conducted over several years. The soils were analysed by means of conventional methods as well as by electro-ultrafiltration (EUF). The following results were obtained:

The application of high K and P fertilizer amounts in pot experiments increased the availability of Mg, Mn and Fe. A marked rise in the Mg, Mn and Fe contents was observed in the vine leaves. The exchange processes due to fertilizer addition were well indicated by the EUF method, whereas the results obtained by extraction with ammonium lactate (AL) and CaCl₂ were unsatisfactory.

Close and highly significant correlations were found between the EUF-P, EUF-K and EUF-Mg contents on the one hand and the P, K and Mg contents in vine leaves on the other. A close correlation also exists (r = 0.91***) between grape yield and EUF-K contents.

Grape yield increases with increasing EUF-K values up to 25mg/100g/30min at 20°C in pot experiments (30 cm rooting depth) and only up to 12 mg/100 g/30 min at 20°C in field experiments. The soil in this field experiment had, however, EUF-K values of 12 mg/100 g in the topsoil as well as in the subsoil. When assessing the limit values, it is therefore important to consider the depth of the horizon in which the nutrients are present.

After addition of very high amounts of P fertilizer the P contents in vine leaves markedly decrease after one year, as there is a decline in the availability of phosphates. The EUF-P values measured immediately after the application of high doses of P fertilizer can only characterize the P supply status of a soil for a period of one or two years.

The P availability after application of different forms of phosphate fertilizers (superphosphate, hyperphosphate) is well indicated by means of EUF, but not by means of the AL method.

When assessing the required K and Mg values in the soil (whatever the method) the vine variety has also to be taken into account, whereas the utilization of soil phosphates depends less on the varietal differences.