The fertilization of the vineyard is influenced by the choice of the rootstock

One of the most important parts of vineyard management is fertilization. In order to design the appropriate fertilization programme for each vineyard and for each variety separately, producers should understand the function of the nutrients applied in the vineyard and know its management history.

The role of nutrients within the plant is essential information for the development of a balanced nutrition program for each , vineyard, but it is not the only information required to achieve the desired results.

Nutrients are found in nature in various forms , but plants generally show selective preference for some of these forms. For example, nitrates and ammonium ions are forms of nitrogen, but in general, nitrates are more available to the plant than ammonium ions. The availability of nutrients is often determined by the properties of the soil. The presence of microorganisms in the soil can help convert nutrients into forms available for plant absorption.

The choice of a Grape variety and its rootstock is crucial in determining nutrient requirements. Vigorous rootstocks are more capable of securing the necessary nutrients from the surrounding soil. This means that they require less nutrient than a subject with less vigor.

Vigorous rootstocks are more capable of absorbing the necessary nutrients from the surrounding soil. This means that they require less nutrient than a rootstock with less vigor.

Vigor and duration of the vegetative cycle of known rootstocks

Nicholas (1997) M: Moderate , X: Low , Y : High

Source: Bell S-J and P.A. Henschke , 2005. Implications of nitrogen nutrition for grapes , fermentation and wine. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 11 , 242-295