Effect of composted mulch application on soil and wine grape potassium status
K. Y. Chan A B D and D. J. Fahey A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for Recycled Organics in Agriculture.
B Industry and Investment NSW, Locked Bag 4, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia.
C Formerly of NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 4, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: yin.chan@mq.edu.au
Soil Research 49(5) 455-461 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR11084
Submitted: 14 May 2010 Accepted: 25 May 2011 Published: 12 July 2011
Abstract
Oversupply of potassium (K) to grape vines can result in high grape berry K and pH, leading to difficulty in wine making and low wine quality. There is concern that application of mulch to grape vines may increase K supply and the associated risks. The effect of composted mulch from green wastes was investigated in a field trial involving six vineyards in New South Wales on soils commonly used for viticulture production in Australia, over three seasons (2006–08). Significant increases in extractable soil K were detected as a result of mulch application. Higher berry K and pH were also observed due to the mulch treatments, with the changes dependent on season and mulch rate. Increases in berry K were significantly related to the higher soil exchangeable K. The mean increase in berry K due to a mulch rate of 153 m3/ha was 123 mg/kg. The mean increase in berry pH was 0.02 units observed in two seasons. Application of mulch can increase berry K and pH, but the changes are small compared with variations observed among vineyard sites and between seasons.
Additional keywords: exchangeable potassium, recycled organics, vineyard variability.
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