“Compost Application in the Vineyard: Effects on Soil Nutrition and Compaction”

The mechanization of pruning and harvesting in vineyards has increased the risk of soil compaction. To reclaim soil properties or avoid this degradation process, it is crucial to properly manage the soil organic matter, and the application of compost derived from the vines themselves is a strategy to achieve this. The objective of this study was to evaluate the properties of soil treated with different doses of compost applied both on the vine row and the inter rows of a Vitis vinifera crop.

The experiment was established in May 2020, in three fields with clay contents ranging between 17-36%, with 7 treatments corresponding to compost application rates (0, 4, 10, 20 tons ha^-1) and position (inter and intra row). Measurements of soil physical and chemical properties were taken, as well as variables related to the plants.

It was observed that the inter rows had a more deteriorated structural condition compared to the vine rows, especially at surface. However, the increase in compost doses led to a significant decrease in penetration resistance and a notable increase in coarse porosity, especially in soil with more than 20% clay. No evident changes were found in bulk density and soil aggregate stability. An increase in macronutrients (N, P, K) was detected because of compost application, although the effects varied according to soil type.

The treatments did not affect the physiological and productive variables of the plants, although an increase in some foliar nutrients and an improvement in the Ravaz index were observed with compost applications, indicating a more balanced proportion between grape production, and pruning mass. In conclusion, compost application has positive effects on soil properties, especially in the area between rows, by providing nutrients that promote the vegetative and productive balance of the vines, thereby contributing to sustainable production.

Acknowledgements: CORFO Project PI-3486