Soil Test Note – No. H003
Dr.Keith Streigler, Extension Horticulturist –
Fruits
FERTILIZER AND CULTURAL
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRAPES
Year of Planting: Apply
any suggested lime at the rate indicated and work it into the soil prior to
planting.
Delay fertilization until
growth has started on newly set vines. Side-dress
the recommended fertilizer at this time and follow with any additional nitrogen
fertilizer in about 4 weeks. Divide acres rates by vines per acre (544 bunch, 180 muscadine)
to give fertilizer per plant.
Succeeding
Years: The need for nitrogen
fertilizer can be largely determined by observing the growth and vigor of
vines. Observe preceding year’s growth;
discount effects of drought. Short,
weak cane growth indicates a need for more nitrogen. Growth should be vigorous and sufficient for next year’s renewal
wood. The cane growth of long cane
varieties such as Concord should measure from 6 to 9 feet in length, with
diameters of ¼ to ½ inch. No change
in nitrogen is needed if the vines are making this amount of growth and produce
three pounds of cane pruning per vine. Musadine
canes are more numerous and less vigorous, and the desired growth is 30 to
36 inches.
Phosphate occasionally limits
grape production. Potash is recommended
if the need is shown by foliar tests or if deficiency symptoms appear.
Such an early-season symptom on mid-cane leaves is a yellowish edge
that dies, dries, and becomes ragged. Later in the season potash deficiency appears
as “black leaf,” generally as interveinal blue-violet flecks or blotches on
the upper surface of the exposed leaves. Potassium deficiencies are more common on very sandy soils or where
root systems are restricted.
General Information: Grapes
require proper pruning on a regular, yearly basis to balance vegetative growth,
fruit yield, and fertilization. Fertilization
cannot correct improper pruning. Soil analysis for grapes is useful primarily for vineyard establishment
and cover crop fertilization. Observations
of leaf and cane growth and tissue analysis are of much greater value than
soil test on an established vineyard.
Rejuvenating
Neglected Vines: Rejuvenating
vines that have been neglected several years usually requires very heavy pruning
according to the type of grape and support. Unless vine vigor is very weak, little or no fertilizer should be
needed following heavy pruning. The
following year start with the mature plant rates and adjust according to response.
Tissue Analysis: Tissue
analysis further confirms visual symptoms and gives a more complete background
for making cultural and fertilizer recommendations.
The following publications
are available at the county Cooperative Extension Service offices:
EL 563
Growing Grapes in Arkansas
EL 488
Muscadine Grape Production in Arkansas
MP 190
Grape Training and Pruning
FSA 2077
Grape Weed Management
FSA 7503
Home Fruit Orchard Sprays
May, 1995
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension
Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color,
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or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.