Validation of the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) in the viticulture of Utiel-Requena region

Abstract

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) consists of an integrated set of norms representing calibrations of plant tissue composition, soil composition, environmental parameters and farming practices as function of yield of a particular crop. The advantages have been proven efficient as a method for nutritional diagnosis in several crops. The current work has been carried out in the wine-growing area of Utiel-Requena (Valencia, Spain). Three plots belonging to the same owner, with high production yields, appropriate farming practices and big size have been selected in order to minimize possible deviations. Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo cultivars have been tested. Samples were selected from the bud break to the end of the ripening period, each 10 days, and DRIS norms were established for N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Moreover Sufficiency ranges (SR) and DRIS indices were obtained. The results showed the ability of the method to predict vine nutritional status in the Utiel-Requena region with the establishment of the veraison as the best phonological stage to evaluate nutritional status.