Quantification and partitioning of annual aboveground biomass production in cv. ‘Tempranillo’ for carbon footprint estimation

Abstract

The estimation of the carbon footprint of vineyards requires an adequate knowledge on which is the annual production of biomass in the vineyard and on its allocation among the vine structures. However, there is limited information concerning biomass production and their allocation patterns at vineyard scale. The objective of this study was to quantify the aboveground biomass production and its partitioning in cv. ‘Tempranillo’ vineyards. A detailed database including vegetative and reproductive development data, yield and weather and irrigation amounts obtained from 2008 to 2010 as a part of a vineyard-modelling project (Vitmod Network) was used. The database included the characterization data of 324 vineyards, embracing a wide range of conditions throughout La Rioja and Navarra provinces in Spain. Aboveground vegetative growth and yield data were transformed to biomass values combining relationships established by our team with those found in the literature. Mean values and ranges for biomass production and partitioning among trunk, shoots, leaves and bunches were calculated. Total aboveground biomass production ranged from 0.91 to 3.02 kg dry mass·vine^-1.year^-1, and the proportion of biomass allocated in vegetative organs ranged from 35% to 75%. Significant curvilinear relationships (p<0.0001, R²>0.7) were found among vine vigour and biomass production, and among yield and vegetative/reproductive biomass allocation. The results obtained provide a tool to better calculate carbon balance in vineyards.