Effects of intra-vineyard variability and soil heterogeneity on vine performance, dry matter and nutrient partitioning

Abstract Three vigor zones, identified in a Barbera vineyard by remote sensing at full canopy, were carefully ground-truthed to determine, over 2 years, the relative weight of soil factors affecting within-field variability, and investigate zone influence on dry matter (DM) nutrient partitioning into different vine organs. Regardless season, high (HV) achieved stronger capacity as total vegetative growth yield while resulting markedly less ripened fruits than low (LV) vines. PCA analysis carried out ten variables clearly separated three levels correlation matrix highlighted that mostly contributing HV depth, K P concentration, available water, clay fraction N leaf concentration. Conversely, sand was main marker for LV. When annual DM retrieved clusters, canes, leaves, shoot clippings calculated each level expressed content (i.e. kg/ha) there general decreasing trend moving from However, when partitioned organ given basis percentage total) results similar across levels. Similarly, nutrients (e.g. kg or g/ha) 120 within-vigor combinations (12 nutrients, seasons, 5 organs), 65 showed significant difference between with data concentration % DM) number differences means fell 15. The study strengthens causal link properties intra-vineyard spatial variability clarifies patterns organs are mildly affected referred basis.