Effects of soil type on vineyard performance and berry composition in the Río de la Plata Coast (Uruguay)

Abstract

Aims: Vineyards in Uruguay are concentrated over soils formed from Quaternary sediments; however, in recent years vineyard surface over soils formed from metamorphic rocks has increased. In this context, this study assessed the relationships between soil physical properties and grapevine vegetative development, yield and berry composition, in order to understand how vine response is affected and characterize the viticultural production potential for different regions. Methods and results: The work was conducted from 2011 to 2014 in non-irrigated Tannat commercial vineyards located in the Río de la Plata coastal region. Roots were studied by excavating trial pits and soils were described. For each vintage, the Dryness index was estimated and pre-dawn leaf water potential was measured. Vine response (vigor, yield and berry composition) was determined for each vineyard. Three soil texture classes over two types of parent rock were observed. Vineyards on soils formed over metamorphic rocks, coarse-textured and with lower depth and water availability, had lower yield, lower vegetative development and higher concentration of compounds associated with berry quality. In contrast, vineyards on soils formed over Quaternary sediments or over metamorphic rock but with greater water availability showed the inverse response. Conclusion: The amount of available water in the root zone significantly affected plant growth, yield, bunch rot and berry composition. Significance and impact of the study: According to edaphic conditions, it is possible to optimize grapevine production within the sub-region of Río de la Plata coast by balancing the source:sink ratio for each soil through vineyard management.

Keywords

• soil-texture
• available water potential
• root zone
• vine
• berry composition
• yield
• Río de la Plata coast wine-growing area
• Tannat