Effects of soil type on vineyard performance and berry composition in the Río de la Plata Coast (Uruguay)

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aims:</strong> Vineyards in Uruguay are concentrated over soils formed from Quaternary sediments; however, in recent years vineyard surface over soils formed from metamorphic rocks has increased. In this context, this study assessed the relationships between soil physical properties and grapevine vegetative development, yield and berry composition, in order to understand how vine response is affected and characterize the viticultural production potential for different regions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods and results:</strong> The work was conducted from 2011 to 2014 in non-irrigated Tannat commercial vineyards located in the Río de la Plata coastal region. Roots were studied by excavating trial pits and soils were described. For each vintage, the Dryness index was estimated and pre-dawn leaf water potential was measured. Vine response (vigor, yield and berry composition) was determined for each vineyard. Three soil texture classes over two types of parent rock were observed. Vineyards on soils formed over metamorphic rocks, coarse-textured and with lower depth and water availability, had lower yield, lower vegetative development and higher concentration of compounds associated with berry quality. In contrast, vineyards on soils formed over Quaternary sediments or over metamorphic rock but with greater water availability showed the inverse response.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The amount of available water in the root zone significantly affected plant growth, yield, bunch rot and berry composition.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Significance and impact of the study:</strong> According to edaphic conditions, it is possible to optimize grapevine production within the sub-region of Río de la Plata coast by balancing the source:sink ratio for each soil through vineyard management.</p>

Variability of Tempranillo grape composition in the Rioja DOCa (Spain) related to soil and climatic characteristics

“…Soil characteristics and topography, together with climate, are the components of terroir that most influence grapevine growth and fruit quality . Different studies have demonstrated the relationship between some soil properties and grape and wine characteristics . On one hand, soil particles and pore distribution govern, both directly and indirectly, many physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the soil, and affect water and nutrient movement, soil hydraulic properties, and drainage .…”

“…indicate impacts of texture on fruit composition and also on vine vigor and vine earliness. Echeverría et al . indicated that the available water in the root zone is one of the factors that affect plant growth, yield, bunch rot, and berry composition.…”

“…[1][2][3] Different studies have demonstrated the relationship between some soil properties and grape and wine characteristics. [4][5][6][7][8][9] On one hand, soil particles and pore distribution govern, both directly and indirectly, many physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the soil, and affect water and nutrient movement, soil hydraulic properties, and drainage. 4 The effect of soil texture and physical properties on vine development and on grape composition has also been evaluated in different areas.…”

“…4 The effect of soil texture and physical properties on vine development and on grape composition has also been evaluated in different areas. [5][6][7][8] Cheng et al 5 found differences in grape composition associated with soil water and organic carbon content. Trought et al 6 indicate impacts of texture on fruit composition and also on vine vigor and vine earliness.…”

“…Trought et al 6 indicate impacts of texture on fruit composition and also on vine vigor and vine earliness. Echeverría et al 7 indicated that the available water in the root zone is one of the factors that affect plant growth, yield, bunch rot, and berry composition. Similarly, King et al 8 pointed out that the preferred fruits were found in vines cultivated in shallow soils, in which the available soil water was the major control factor.…”