The Best Time and Method for Applying Base Fertilizer to Grapevines in Autumn: A Detailed Guide

Grape growing experts all know that after the grapes ripen and are harvested, the grapevines need to be fertilized, but many people also plant grapevines in autumn. To grow grapes well, you must apply base fertilizer properly, so when is the best time to apply base fertilizer? Do you understand the methods of applying base fertilizer?

1. Autumn application of base fertilizer to grapes

When we say grapes are ripe, it means two things: first, the fruit is ripe; second, the vine itself is mature. At present, most grapes have already been harvested, which means the fruit-ripening stage has ended or is about to end, and it is time to enter the second stage——the vine's nutrient reserves. At the same time, this stage is also a “small peak” of underground root growth. So our management measures in autumn should revolve around the center of “harvesting”: first, improving the soil's physical and chemical properties to provide good growing conditions for root growth; second, pruning the roots so they can be renewed and maintain vigorous growth. To accomplish these two tasks, we can start with autumn application of base fertilizer.

1. When is the best time to apply base fertilizer to grapevines in autumn?

From late August to late October after picking the fruit, applying early is better than applying late. If the grapes cannot be picked and brought to market for other reasons, even if harvesting is not completely finished, trenching and fertilizing should still be done on time and must not be postponed until after the end of October.

2. Digging trenches for autumn base fertilizer

In vineyards with vines 1 to 2 years old, dig a trench 30—45cm wide and 40—50cm deep outward from one side of the original planting trench. If possible, place the topsoil and subsoil on opposite sides of the trench.

In vineyards with vines 3 to 4 years old, dig the same kind of trench outward from the edge of the previously dug trench. Remember not to dig trenches in the “same old spot” every year. By expanding outward in this way year after year, after about 4 to 5 years the entire plot will basically have been “deep plowed” once, and after that you can stop “autumn base fertilization” for several years.

3. Choosing autumn base fertilizer

Organic fertilizer, fermented and decomposed farmyard manure, microbial bacterial fertilizer, and superphosphate are all high-quality base fertilizers. These base fertilizers not only provide comprehensive nutrition but also have a long-lasting fertilizing effect, can improve the soil, and make the soil loose and airy. We all know that soil temperature is higher in winter, so applying base fertilizer helps root growth and absorption. The application rate is no less than 3m3 of organic fertilizer per mu, an appropriate amount of bacterial fertilizer, and 50—100 kg of superphosphate per mu.

4. Fertilizing and backfilling

Evenly spread the above fertilizers onto the soil dug out from both sides of the trench, then backfill it all into the trench together. If the topsoil and subsoil were kept separate when the trench was dug, the topsoil should be backfilled first, followed by the subsoil. Place the remaining subsoil on the planting row to naturally form a high ridge.

5. Summary on autumn fertilization

It is generally believed that autumn fertilization increases nutrition, and there is some truth to this. But in fact, at this time the vine's nutrient accumulation depends more importantly on good photosynthesis. According to the vine's internal patterns and seasonal cycles, after entering autumn the new shoots begin to stop growing in preparation for winter dormancy.

In addition, during this period the root system is in its second small growth peak of the year. The roots are mainly growing and storing, and their absorption function is somewhat reduced, so fertilization during this period is not for “increasing nutrition” in the general sense.

Summary: The above is the detailed guide compiled for you on the method of applying base fertilizer to grapevines in autumn! We hope it can help you. This article is compiled from the internet.