Abstract
The objective of the present study is to apply different systems of fertigation (rainfed, R; surface drip irrigation, DI, and subsurface drip irrigation, SDI) in Vitis vinifera (L.) cv. ‘Albariño’ to evaluate the cumulative effect of water stress (water stress integral) on yield parameters and to establish the relationship between indices and production. The study was conducted over four years (2010-2013) in a commercial vineyard (Galicia, NW Spain). The volumetric soil water content (θ) (with TDR) and predawn (ψp), midday (ψm) and stem (ψstem) leaf-water potential were determined with a water activity meter during the growing stages (flowering-harvest) from 2010-2013. The number of clusters, their weight and yield/vine were determined at harvest. Must composition was studied to evaluate nutrition treatments. Ψp is presented as the best indicator of the water status of the plant, and the sole use of θ is not recommended as a reference. The soil-plant water status variables were strongly correlated, especially between foliar variables (0.91<R2<0.98), with θ presenting the lowest reliability (0.28<R2<0.81). SDI was the treatment with the highest hydric comfort and greater yield/vine (6.1 kg) and weight per cluster (95.0 g), but lower elements concentration in must. The water stress integral showed that the veraison and harvest stages were very sensitive to water stress in vines. Linear relationships were established between Sψp and W (R2=0.65) and Y (R2=0.56) at veraison. The water stress integral is presented as a useful working tool for vine growers because it allows the prediction of future yield at early phenological states.
Highlights
The Spanish northwest is currently experiencing a climate change that has been manifested in changes to normal temperature and rainfall patterns but has caused variations in extreme event patterns (Cruz et al, 2009)
Ψp is presented as the best indicator of the water status of the plant, and the sole use of θ is not recommended as a reference
The water stress integral is presented as a useful working tool for vine growers because it allows the prediction of future yield at early phenological states
Summary
The Spanish northwest is currently experiencing a climate change that has been manifested in changes to normal temperature and rainfall patterns but has caused variations in extreme event patterns (Cruz et al, 2009). Horacio & Díaz (2009) have shown that these changes may have positive effects at the viticultural level (advanced harvest), and some cultivars as ‘Albariño’ may be affected by increased temperatures, which is a limiting factor for the production or quality of wines that are in demand by the current market. Salazar & Melgarejo (2005) have observed that the optimal use of nutrition in vineyard can stabilize yields and improve production and quality of grapes. Sharma et al (2008) and Thomaj et al (2012) underscored the adequacy of fertigation using drip irri gation, improving the uniformity of irrigation, production and quality of musts The application of fertilisers through irrigation systems (fertigation) (Conradie & Myburgh, 2000), allows the optimization of scarce resources (water), and rationalize the use of nutrients to reduce cultivation costs, pollution environment and avoid fertilizer losses. Salazar & Melgarejo (2005) have observed that the optimal use of nutrition in vineyard can stabilize yields and improve production and quality of grapes. Sharma et al (2008) and Thomaj et al (2012) underscored the adequacy of fertigation using drip irri gation, improving the uniformity of irrigation, production and quality of musts
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