Articles
INFLUENCE OF RAISED BEDS, GROUND COVER AND IRRIGATION ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF YOUNG GRAPEVINES
Article number
427_5
Pages
37 – 44
Language
Abstract
An experiment was carried out to investigate and compare the first year of growth of grapevines planted on raised beds with vines established under conventional soil management.
The effect on vine growth of different treatments designed to maintain and improve soil structure in raised beds was also investigated.
These treatments included high and low rates of irrigation application and three soil surface treatments of ryegrass, mulch and bare soil.
The bulk density of soil in raised beds (1.25 Mg m-3) was significantly lower than in flat beds (1.5 Mg m-3), which allowed more rapid root development and significantly higher root lengths in raised beds.
Canopy growth of vines on raised beds was significantly greater than on flat beds, through increased length of main shoot, and increased number and length of lateral shoots.
Improved performance of vines in raised beds was related to greater extraction of water and possibly nutrients by the denser root system of vines in raised beds.
Poor control of ryegrass and weeds after planting of rootlings reduced survival and growth of vines in raised beds with ryegrass, due to competition for water and possibly nutrients.
Vine growth was not improved by application of mulch, possibly because soil water availability did not limit growth of vines in raised beds.
The rate of irrigation application had no significant effect on vine growth, either in raised or flat beds.
The effect on vine growth of different treatments designed to maintain and improve soil structure in raised beds was also investigated.
These treatments included high and low rates of irrigation application and three soil surface treatments of ryegrass, mulch and bare soil.
The bulk density of soil in raised beds (1.25 Mg m-3) was significantly lower than in flat beds (1.5 Mg m-3), which allowed more rapid root development and significantly higher root lengths in raised beds.
Canopy growth of vines on raised beds was significantly greater than on flat beds, through increased length of main shoot, and increased number and length of lateral shoots.
Improved performance of vines in raised beds was related to greater extraction of water and possibly nutrients by the denser root system of vines in raised beds.
Poor control of ryegrass and weeds after planting of rootlings reduced survival and growth of vines in raised beds with ryegrass, due to competition for water and possibly nutrients.
Vine growth was not improved by application of mulch, possibly because soil water availability did not limit growth of vines in raised beds.
The rate of irrigation application had no significant effect on vine growth, either in raised or flat beds.
Publication
Authors
J. Eastham, A. Cass, S. Gray, D. Hansen
Keywords
grapevine, Irrigation, Mulch, Roots, Ryegrass, Vitis vinifera
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