Growth and grape yield and quality

Abstract

Soil management practices such as mulching or cover crop are agricultural practices that can help to modulate vegetative development and as a consequence, reduce water inputs. In this work we compare the effects of a permanent cover crop on soil water availability on the grapevine physiological behavior, as well as on grape production and quality. The trial was carried out in an experimental vineyard located in Palma de Mallorca. Eight years-old plants of Tempraillo and Grenache cvs. grafted on Richter-100 rootstock were used. Two water regimes were imposed: moderate irration (30% ETo) and non-irrigation.  Also, two soil management practices were contrasted: a natural cover crop maintained in the vineyard along four consecutive years and tilling. The results show a continuous and cumulative effect of the permanent cover crop in the vegetative development as in the vine production, with a reduction up to 50% in respect to conventional tilling. On the other hand, the reduction of vigor determined a lower water consume along the spring and, as consequence a higher resistance to summer severe water stress conditions in comparison to plants grown in tilled soils. Also, the effects of permanent cover crop on productive parameters and grape quality was determinant and somewhat dependent on the genotype, being more relevant in varieties more vigorous and of higher productive capacity. In fact, Tempranillo plants showed a more important reduction in grape yield (70%) and an increase of sugar content compared with Grenache.