A collaboration between

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Funding provided by:

Guidelines and Webpage Design:

Daniel Geisseler, Ph.D.; UCCE Specialist in Nutrient Management; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis

Reviewers:

Mark Battany; Farm Advisor; University of California Cooperative Extension San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties

Clifford P. Ohmart, Ph.D.; Vice President of Professional Services; SureHarvest; Davis

William R. Horwath, Ph.D.; Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry and James G. Boswell Endowed Chair in Soil Science; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis

Support:

Asif Maan, Ph.D.; Branch Chief Feed, Fertilizer, and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Amrith Gunasekara, Ph.D.; Science Advisor to the Secretary; California Department of Food and Agriculture

Erika Lewis; Fertilizer Reserach and Education Program, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Last Update: September, 2015

Additional Information:

Grapevine Nitrogen Uptake and Partitioning

Grapevine Production in California

California Fertilization Guidelines

Grapevines

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Dormancy

Bud Break

Full Bloom

Veraison

Harvest

Early work found that soil analyses are not a reliable means of determining grapevine nutrient availability. The inconsistent relationship between soil nutrient levels and grapevine needs has been attributed to the wide variety of soil types and depths involved, grape variety and rootstock differences, the effect of root pest and diseases, and the climatic differences among California's grape growing regions ^{[N8, N11]}. For this reason, no University of California guidelines for N, P or K soil test interpretation have been established.

Common Soil Analyses

Petiole Analysis

Petiole Analysis N

Plant tissue analyses are a useful tool to assess the vine nutrient status and tune the fertilization program, especially when used in combination with other tools, such as observations of vine development and wine quality ^[N29].

Petiole Sampling

Interpretation of Results

Effect of Variety and Rootstock

Soil Applied N

Application Rate

Grapevines have a low N fertilizer requirement compared to most other crops ^[N23]. On average about 2.9 lbs of N is removed from the vineyard in one ton (2000 lbs) of fresh grapes, with values ranging from 1.8 to 4.1 lbs ^[N21]. Nitrogen should be applied to ensure an adequate N supply during spring development, but available N in late summer should not be high enough to encourage late-season shoot growth, delay maturity, and promote immature canes ^[N24].

Recommended N application rates for raisin production range from 0 to 60 lbs/acre depending on irrigation system, soil type and vigor of the vines (see Table). While the raisin yield averages 9-10 tons/acre, the yield of wine grapes is generally lower, averaging 7 tons/acre in California, with even lower tonnages in most coastal wine grape vineyards. Therefore, the required application rates for wine grapes may be substantially lower than the values reported in the table. However, the values reported in the table for drip irrigated systems correspond to the N rate generally recommended for wine grapes (M. Battany, personal communication). To determine the correct application rate, it is important the take petiole nitrate concentrations as well as vine growth and wine quality into consideration.

Suggested N application rates in raisin vineyards ^[N10].
N rates

Nitrogen needs to be applied with caution to vines grafted onto the nematode-resistant rootstocks ‘Ramsey’, ‘Freedom,’ or ‘Harmony’ because they are prone to excess vigor ^[N10]. Contact your local farm advisor for more information.

When groundwater is used for irrigation, the nitrate in the water can contribute a significant part of the vineyard's N requirement. These application rates should be corrected for the amount of N contained in the irrigation water ^[N10].

Mode of Application

Fertilizer Type

Time of Application

N uptake is relatively slow between budbreak and bloom but high between bloom and veraison. During this period, about half of the annual N demand is taken up ^{[N13, N27, N30]}.

Due to the ability of grapes to mobilize reserves from permanent structures, time of application has less effect on grapevine performance than it has in annual crops, provided the N is applied during a period of active uptake ^{[N1,
N3]}.

Studies in San Joaquin Valley vineyards showed that N is best applied in spring during a period starting after budbreak until fruit set or post-harvest ^{[N12, N27]}. Early applications before or at budbreak are susceptible to leaching from sprinkler frost protection, late rainfall or excessive spring irrigations and should be delayed until after the frost danger period ^[N24]. Nitrogen applied between harvest and leaf senescence refills storage reserves in permanent structures and supports leaf growth the following spring, in regions where the leaf canopy remains active for an extended period after harvest ^[N26]. Postharvest applications need to be made as long as the canopy is healthy and functional to ensure adequate uptake ^[N12]. Nitrogen applications in late fall after leaf fall are inefficient, because N may be leached below the rootzone by winter rains ^[N24].

Furrow Irrigated Systems

Under furrow irrigation, especially in sandy soils, high application rates are best split into two applications in late spring/early summer or one application in spring and the other post-harvest ^[N10].

Drip Irrigated Systems

Under drip irrigation, 2-5 lbs N/acre may be applied weekly in spring ^[N10]. However, when leaching during the growing season is minimized one single application may be as effective as multiple small applications, provided the soil is not very sandy in texture ^[N25].

Foliar N

Soil Applied N

Phosphorus (P₂O₅)

Grapevine P Nutrition

Deficiency Symptoms

Affected Areas

Soil Test

Soil Analysis

Early work found that soil analyses are not a reliable means of determining grapevine nutrient availability ^[P4]. For this reason, no University of California guidelines for N, P or K soil test interpretation have been established.

A few studies used soil tests to assess P availability in vineyards. Grant ^[P11] reported that grapevines grown in acidic soils with Bray 1 P concentrations below 8 ppm are likely deficient. In a study carried out at two sites in Napa and El Dorado County with Bray 1 P concentrations of 3 ppm or less in the top foot of the soil profile, P fertilization significantly increased yield ^[P18].

Soil fumigation can decrease P acquisition of grapevines due to harmful effects on mycorrhizae ^[P11].

References:

Nitrogen

Araujo, F.J., Williams, L.E., 1998. Dry matter and nitrogen partitioning and root growth of young field-grown Thomposon Seedless grapevines. Vitis 27, 21-32.
Araujo, F., Williams, L.E., Grimes, D.W., Matthews, M.A., 1995. A comparative study of young ‘Thompson Seedless’ grapevines under drip and furrow irrigation. I. Root and soil water distributions. Scientia Horticulturae 60, 235-249.
Bates, T.R., Dunst, R.M., Joy, P., 2002. Seasonal dry matter, starch, and nutrient distribution in ’Concord’ grapevine roots. HortScience 37, 313-316.
Bavaresco, L., Gatti, M., Fregoni, M., 2010. Nutritional deficiencies. In: Delrot, S., Medrano, H., Or, E., Bavaresco, L., Grando, S. (Eds.). Methodologies and Results in Grapevine Research. Springer Dordrecht, Heidelberg, London, New York. pp. 165-191.
Bell, S.J., Henschke, P.A., 2005. Implications of nitrogen nutrition for grapes, fermentation and wine. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 11, 242-295.
Christensen, P., 1984. Nutrient level comparisons of leaf petioles and blades in twenty-six grape cultivars over three years (1979 through 1981). American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 35, 124-133.
Christensen, P., 1994. Foliar fertilization of grapevines. University of California Cooperative Extension Tulare County, Publication NG6-94.
Christensen, P., 2000. Use of tissue analysis in viticulture. University of California Cooperative Extension Tulare County, Publication NG10-00.
Christensen, P., 2002. Monitoring and interpreting vine mineral nutrition status for wine grapes. Proceedings of the Central Coast Wine Grape Seminar, Salinas.
Christensen, L.P, Peacock, W., 2000. Mineral nutrition and fertilization. In: Raisin Production Manual. University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources Publication 3393, Oakland, CA. pp. 102-114.
Christensen, L.P., Kasimatis, A.N., Jensen, F.L., 1978. Grapevine nutrition and fertilization in the San Joaquin Valley. University of California Publication 4087.
Christensen, L.P., Bianchi, M.L., Peacock, W.L., Hirschfelt, D.J., 1994. Effect of nitrogen fertilizer timing and rate on inorganic nitrogen status, fruit composition, and yield of grapevines. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 45, 377-387.
Conradie, W.J., 2004. Partitioning of mineral nutrients and timing of fertilizer applications for optimum efficiency. In: Christensen, L.P., Smart, D.R. (Eds.). Proceedings of the Soil Environment and Vine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Davis, CA. pp. 69-81.
Cook, J.A., Wheeler, D.W., 1976. Use of tissue analysis in viticulture. In: Reisenauer, H.M. (Ed.). Soil and Plant-Tissue Testing in California. University of California, Division of Agricultural Sciences, Bulletin 1879. pp. 18-19.
Failla, O., Scienza, A., Brancadoro, L., 1996. Effects of nutrient spray applications on malic and tartaric acid levels in grapevine berry. Journal of Plant Nutrition 19, 41-50.
Fleming, H.K., Alderter, R.B., 1949. The effects of urea and oil-wax emulsion sprays on the performance of Concord grapevine under cultivation and in Ladino clover sod. Proceedings of the American Society for Horticultural Science 54, 171-176.
Gärtel, W., 1993. Grapes. In: Bennett, W.F. (Ed.). Nutrient Deficiencies and Toxicities in Crop Plants. APS Press, St. Paul, MN. pp. 177-183.

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Hashim-Buckey, J.M., 2009. Management of mineral nutrition in table grape vineyards.
Kliewer, W.M., 1991. Methods for determining the nitrogen status of vineyards. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Nitrogen in Grapes and Wine. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture. pp. 133-147.
Lambert, J.J., Anderson, M.M., Wolpert, J.A., 2008. Vineyard nutrient needs vary with rootstocks and soils. California Agriculture 62, 202-207.
Mullins, M.G., Bouquet, A., Williams, L.E., 1992. Biology of the grapevine. Cambridge University Press.
Mack, G.L., Shaulis, N.J., 1947. Nutritional sprays on grapes. Phytopathology 37, 14-15.
Peacock, W., Christensen, L.P., 2000. Interpretation of soil and water analysis. In: Christensen, L.P. (Ed.). Raisin Production Manual. University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Publication 3393, Oakland, CA. pp. 115-120.
Peacock, W.L., Broadbent, F.E., Christensen, L.P., 1982. Late-fall nitrogen application in vineyards is inefficient. California Agriculture 36, 22-23.
Peacock, W.L., Christensen, L.P., Broadbent, F.E., 1986. Fertilization of grapevines with drip irrigation. Report of Research for Fresh Table Grapes. California Table Grape Commission, Fresno.
Peacock, W.L., Christensen, L.P., Broadbent, F.E., 1989. Uptake, storage, and utilization of soil-applied nitrogen by Thompson Seedless as affected by time of application. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 40, 16-20.
Peacock, W.L., Christensen, L.P., Hirschfelt, D.J., 1991a. Influence of timing of nitrogen fertilizer application on grapevines in the San Joaquin Valley. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 42, 322-326.
Peacock, W.L., Christensen, L.P., Hirschfelt, D.J., Broadbent, F.E., Stevens, R.G., 1991b. Efficient uptake and utilization of nitrogen in drip- and furrow-irrigated vineyards. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Nitrogen in Grapes and Wine. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture. pp. 116-119.
Robinson, J.B., 2004. Critical plant tissue values and application of nutritional standards for practical use in vineyards. In: Christensen, L.P., Smart, D.R. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Soil Environment and Vine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Davis, CA. pp. 61-68.
Pradubsuk, S., Davenport, J.R., 2010. Seasonal uptake and partitioning of macronutrients in mature ‘Concord’ grape. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 135, 474-483.
Smart, D.R., Schwass, E., Lakso, A., Morano, L., 2006. Grapevine rooting patterns: A comprehensive analysis and a review. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 57, 89-104.
Vasquez, S., Fidelibus, M., 2006. Considerations for monitoring grapevine nutritional status. California Fresh Fruit and Raisin News 22(5), 9-11.
Wheeler, S.J., Pickering, G.J., 2003. Optimizing grape quality through soil management practices. Food, Agriculture & Environment 1, 190-197.
Williams, L.E, 1999. Fertilizer use efficiency and influence of rootstocks on uptake and accumulation of nutrients in wine grapes grown in the coastal valleys of California. FREP Final Report.

TOP OF PAGE

Phosphorus

Araujo, F., Williams, L.E., Grimes, D.W., Matthews, M.A., 1995. A comparative study of young ‘Thompson Seedless’ grapevines under drip and furrow irrigation. I. Root and soil water distributions. Scientia Horticulturae 60, 235-249.
Bavaresco, L., Gatti, M., Fregoni, M., 2010. Nutritional deficiencies. In: Delrot, S., Medrano, H., Or, E., Bavaresco, L., Grando, S. (Eds.). Methodologies and Results in Grapevine Research. Springer Dordrecht, Heidelberg, London, New York. pp. 165-191.
Christensen, P., 2002. Monitoring and interpreting vine mineral nutrition status for wine grapes. Proceedings of the Central Coast Wine Grape Seminar, Salinas.
Christensen, L.P., Kasimatis, A.N., Jensen, F.L., 1978. Grapevine nutrition and fertilization in the San Joaquin Valley. University of California Publication 4087.
Cook, J. A., Wheeler, D.W., 1976. Use of tissue analysis in viticulture. In: Reisenauer, H.M. (Ed.). Soil and Plant-Tissue Testing in California. University of California, Division of Agricultural Sciences, Bulletin 1879. pp. 18-19.
Cook, J.A., Baranek, P.P., Christensen, L.P., Malstrom, H.L., 1968. Vineyard response to phosphate-zinc foliar sprays. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 19, 17-26.
Cook, J.A., Ward, W.R., Wicks, A.S., 1983. Phosphorus deficiency in California vineyards. California Agriculture 37, 16-18.
Gärtel, W., 1993. Grapes. In: Bennett, W.F. (Ed.). Nutrient Deficiencies and Toxicities in Crop Plants. APS Press, St. Paul, MN. pp. 177-183.
Grant, R.S., Matthews, M.A., 1996a. The influence of phosphorus availability, scion, and rootstock on grapevine shoot growth, leaf area, and petiole phosphorus concentration. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 47, 217-224.
Grant, R.S., Matthews, M.A., 1996b. The influence of phosphorus availability and rootstock on root system characteristics, phosphorus uptake, phosphorus partitioning, and growth efficiency. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 47, 403-409.
Grant, R.S., 1999. Managing phosphorus deficiency in vineyards. Practical Winery and Vineyard Journal January/February, 87-90.

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Keller, M., 2005. Deficit irrigation and vine mineral nutrition. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 56, 267-283.
Kliewer, W.M., 1991. Methods for determining the nitrogen status of vineyards. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Nitrogen in Grapes and Wine. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture. pp. 133-147.
Mullins, M.G., Bouquet, A., Williams, L.E., 1992. Biology of the Grapevine. Cambridge University Press.
Peacock, W., Christensen, L.P., 2000. Interpretation of soil and water analysis. In: Christensen, L.P. (Ed.). Raisin Production Manual. University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Publication 3393, Oakland, CA. pp. 115-120.
Robinson, J.B., 2004. Critical plant tissue values and application of nutritional standards for practical use in vineyards. In: Christensen, L.P., Smart, D.R. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Soil Environment and Vine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Davis, CA. pp. 61-68.
Schreiner, R.P., 2010. Foliar sprays containing phosphorus (P) have minimal impact on ‘Pinot Noir’ growth and P status, mycorrhizal colonization, and fruit quality. HortScience 45, 815-821.
Skinner, P.W., Cook, J.A., Matthews, M.A., 1988. Response of grapevine cvs Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay to phosphorus fertilizer applications under phosphorus-limited conditions. Vitis 27, 95-109.
Smart, D.R., Schwass, E., Lakso, A., Morano, L., 2006. Grapevine rooting patterns: A comprehensive analysis and a review. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 57, 89-104.
Topalovic, A., Slatnar, A., Stampar, F., Knezevic, M., Veberic, R., 2011. Influence of foliar fertilization with P and K on chemical constituents of grape cv. ‘Cardinal’. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 59, 10303–10310.
Vasquez, S., Fidelibus, M., 2006. Considerations for monitoring grapevine nutritional status. California Fresh Fruit and Raisin News 22(5), 9-11.
Verdegaal, P.S., 2009. Micro-nutrients major effects. Presentation held at the Calaveras Grape Growers Meeting.

TOP OF PAGE

Potassium

Araujo, F., Williams, L.E., Grimes, D.W., Matthews, M.A., 1995. A comparative study of young ‘Thompson Seedless’ grapevines under drip and furrow irrigation. I. Root and soil water distributions. Scientia Horticulturae 60, 235-249.
Bavaresco, L., Gatti, M., Fregoni, M., 2010. Nutritional deficiencies. In: Delrot, S., Medrano, H., Or, E., Bavaresco, L., Grando, S. (Eds.). Methodologies and Results in Grapevine Research. Springer Dordrecht, Heidelberg, London, New York. pp. 165-191.
Christensen, P., 1975. Long-term responses of ‘Thompson Seedless’ vines to potassium fertilizer treatment. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 26, 179-183.
Christensen, P., 1994. Foliar fertilization of grapevines. University of California Cooperative Extension Tulare County, Publication NG6-94.
Christensen, P., 2002. Monitoring and interpreting vine mineral nutrition status for wine grapes. Proceedings of the Central Coast Wine Grape Seminar, Salinas.
Christensen, L.P., Kasimatis, A.N., Jensen, F.L., 1978. Grapevine nutrition and fertilization in the San Joaquin Valley. University of California Publication 4087.
Christensen, L.P., Peacock, W.L., Bianchi, M.L., 1991. Potassium fertilization of Thompson Seedless grapevines using fertilizer sources under drip irrigation. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 42, 227-232.
Conradie, W.J., 2004. Partitioning of mineral nutrients and timing of fertilizer applications for optimum efficiency. In: Christensen, L.P., Smart, D.R. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Soil Environment and Vine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Davis, CA. pp. 69-81.
Cook, J. A., Wheeler, D.W., 1976. Use of tissue analysis in viticulture. In: Reisenauer, H.M. (Ed.). Soil and Plant-Tissue Testing in California. University of California, Division of Agricultural Sciences, Bulletin 1879. pp. 18-19.
Failla, O., Scienza, A., Brancadoro, L., 1996. Effects of nutrient spray applications on malic and tartaric acid levels in grapevine berry. Journal of Plant Nutrition 19, 41-50.
Gärtel, W., 1993. Grapes. In: Bennett, W.F. (Ed.). Nutrient Deficiencies and Toxicities in Crop Plants. APS Press, St. Paul, MN. pp. 177-183.
Ingels, C., Verdegaal, P., Pettygrove, S., DeBiase, R., 2010. Potassium nutrition in vineyards. University of California Cooperative Extension Sacramento County Tree and Vine Newsletter, November, 2010.
Kasimatis, A.N., Christensen L.P., 1976. Response of Thompson Seedless grapevines to potassium application from three fertilizer sources. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 27, 145-149.
Kliewer, W.M., 1991. Methods for determining the nitrogen status of vineyards. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Nitrogen in Grapes and Wine. The American Society for Enology and Viticulture. pp. 133-147.

TOP OF PAGE

Lambert, J.J., Anderson, M.M., Wolpert, J.A., 2008. Vineyard nutrient needs vary with rootstocks and soils. California Agriculture 62, 202-207.
Mpelasoka, B.S., Schachtman, D.P., Treeby, M.T., Thomas, M.R., 2003. A review of potassium nutrition in grapevines with special emphasis on berry accumulation. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 9, 154-168.
Mullins, M.G., Bouquet, A., Williams, L.E., 1992. Biology of the Grapevine. Cambridge University Press.
O’Geen, A.T., Pettygrove, S., Southard, R.J., Minoshima, H., Verdegaal, P.S., 2008. Soil-landscape model helps predict potassium supply in vineyards. California Agriculture 62, 195-201.
Peacock, B., 1999. Potassium in soils and grapevine nutrition. University of California Cooperative Extension Tulare County, Publication NG9-99.
Peacock, W.L., 2004. Fertigating drip-irrigated vineyards with macro- and micronutrients. In: Christensen, L.P., Smart, D.R. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Soil Environment and Vine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Davis, CA. pp. 129-133.
Peacock, W., Christensen, L.P., 2000. Interpretation of soil and water analysis. In: Christensen, L.P. (Ed.). Raisin Production Manual. University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Publication 3393, Oakland, CA. pp. 115-120.
Pettygrove, G.S., Southard, R.J., 2003. Can we predict K fixation in the San Joaquin Valley from soil texture and mineralogy? FREP Final Report.
Pradubsuk, S., Davenport, J.R., 2010. Seasonal uptake and partitioning of macronutrients in mature ‘Concord’ grape. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 135, 474-483.
Robinson, J.B., 2004. Critical plant tissue values and application of nutritional standards for practical use in vineyards. In: Christensen, L.P., Smart, D.R. (Ed.). Proceedings of the Soil Environment and Vine Mineral Nutrition Symposium. American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Davis, CA. pp. 61-68.
Schreiner, R.P., 2010. Foliar sprays containing phosphorus (P) have minimal impact on ‘Pinot Noir’ growth and P status, mycorrhizal colonization, and fruit quality. HortScience 45, 815-821.
Smart, D.R., Schwass, E., Lakso, A., Morano, L., 2006. Grapevine rooting patterns: A comprehensive analysis and a review. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 57, 89-104.
Vasquez, S., Fidelibus, M., 2006. Considerations for monitoring grapevine nutritional status. California Fresh Fruit and Raisin News 22(5), 9-11.
Williams, L.E., Biscay, P.J., 1991. Partitioning of dry weight, nitrogen, and potassium in Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines from anthesis until harvest. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 42, 113-117.

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A collaboration between

Acknowledgments

Funding provided by:

Guidelines and Webpage Design:

Reviewers:

Support:

Take a Quiz! Quiz Submit Answer Reset

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Additional Information:

Links:

California Fertilization Guidelines

Grapevines

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Nitrogen (N)

Grapevine N Nutrition

Deficiency Symptoms

Excessive Nitrogen