N, P, and K Supply to Pinot noir Grapevines: Impact on Vine Nutrient Status, Growth, Physiology, and Yield

Abstract

Pinot noir grapevines (self-rooted Pommard clone) were grown in a pot-in-pot sand culture vineyard to examine the impact of low N, P, and K supply on vine growth and physiology. Four-year-old vines were given either full nutrition (Control) or reduced levels of each N, P, and K supplied at 50%, 20%, or 10% of the Control rate with all other nutrients held constant over three years (2006–2008). Vine growth, nutrient status, photosynthetic parameters, yield, and berry quality were monitored. The N, P, and K status of vines was reduced by each of the intended treatments, although N and P concentrations in leaf blades and petioles were reduced earlier and to a greater extent than K. Low N treatments reduced dormant season cane weights in all years, shoot lengths and leaf area in 2008, and fruit yield in 2008. Yield reduction under low N supply in 2008 was primarily a result of reduced berry size. Low N also reduced single leaf photosynthesis and quantum efficiency of photosystem II in 2008, while low P and K did not. Juice YAN (yeast assimilable nitrogen) levels were greatly reduced by low N supply in 2007 and 2008, although YAN was lower in 2007 across all treatments. Low P and low K supply did not alter growth or yield. Low P supply reduced juice P concentrations, but low K supply did not alter juice K. Reduced yield, growth, and juice YAN levels in low N treatments provide a framework to refine leaf blade and petiole N standards for Pinot noir grown in the region, but limiting levels of P and K were not as clearly defined.