Deep Placement of Compost into Vineyard Soil Affecting Physical Properties of Soils, Yield and Quality of Grapes

Abstract

In recent years, research has focused on verifying various ways of dosing organic matter into the soil in Central European conditions. The main reason for this is to search for the optimal management methods for soils with permanent vegetation. In this article, we state and evaluate the results of experiments carried out at the Lednice experimental site (Sauvignon Blanc variety) and the Velké Bílovice experimental site (Pinot Gris variety) between 2018 and 2020. The experiments evaluated the deep placement of compost and compost enriched with lignohumax at a rate of 30 t·ha−1 in the areas around vineyard tree trunks on the basic physical properties of the soil and the yield and quality of grapes. Results proved the positive effect of compost heaps and compost combined with the applied lignohumax on improving soil density (2–10% difference compared with the unfertilized reference variant) and porosity, which ultimately resulted in improved soil moisture conditions at both experimental sites (8–25% difference compared with the unfertilized reference variant). At the same time, the results demonstrated the positive effect of the applied compost and the chosen method of application on the yield and quality of grapes. In the case of Sauvignon Blanc, the increase in yield in the fertilized variants was 12–34%, while, in the case of Pinot Gris, it ranged from 24 to 33%. Among qualitative indicators, the grapes of both varieties were evaluated for sugar content, total acidity, pH, and amount of yeast assimilable nitrogen. In this case, results were not unambiguous in favor of fertilized variants; however, in most cases, fertilization had a positive effect.

Composting Waste From the White Wine Industry

“…Under this scenario, the sustainable soil management practices are crucial to improve soil quality and increase soil water content [8,9]. Recently, several authors studied the effect of vineyards compost application to minimize threats such as extended drought or soil degradation [10][11][12]. The major role of organic matter in the formation of stable aggregates was described, as well as its effects on water holding capacity, aeration and resistance to root growth [13,14].…”

“…The major role of organic matter in the formation of stable aggregates was described, as well as its effects on water holding capacity, aeration and resistance to root growth [13,14]. Badalikova et al [12], for example, reported that bulk density decreased (2-10%), and consequently porosity and soil moisture content increased, 2 years after the incorporation of 30 t ha -1 compost into the vines in furrows 25-30 cm deep. In addition to enhance the structure of soils and thereby improving water availability, compost application reduces soil-born pathogen and increases nutrient use efficiency [2,15].…”

Minimizing food loss and repurposing waste within the viticulture industry

“…Numerous research endeavors have delved into the outcomes of compost application to grape pomace and stalks. The findings of these studies have demonstrated that composting contributed to a reduction in bulk density, a metric indicative of soil compaction, with recorded decreases ranging from 2% to 10% [9]. The rise in consciousness regarding Food Loss and Waste (FLW) commenced with a handful of publications that elevated the significance of the issue.…”