Effect of Soil Depth on Growth and Water Consumption of Young Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir

Abstract

Pinot noir on 99 R were initially established under non-irrigated conditions with soil preparation depths of 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 mm. Subsequently, irrigated treatments were included with soil preparation depths of 400, 800 and 1200 mm. Water consumption of irrigated vines (measured by field lysimeters) increased during the first 3 years after planting. Vegetative growth was positively correlated with depth of soil preparation under both irrigated (I) and non-irrigated (NI) conditions. Irrigation increased vegetative growth compared to NI treatments at corresponding depths. Optimal vegetative growth was achieved in year 2 with 800 and 1000 mm plus irrigation but not until year 3 with either 800 or 1,000 mm plus NI or 400 mm plus I. Excessive vegetative growth occurred with 1200 mm soil preparation with either I or NI and with 800 mm under irrigated conditions. Water consumption increased with greater depth of soil preparation and was correlated with the amount of vegetative growth; for example, total seasonal evapotranspiration of 3-year-old vines with 400 and 1200 mm preparation depths was 387 and 614 mm, respectively. The authors recommend that the amount of irrigation applied to young, non-bearing grapevines should be significantly reduced relative to the amount applied to mature, bearing vines. [Z 146] (P. Dry, Adelaide)