Watering in grape growing has its finer points; only by mastering the method can you achieve high yields
How should you water grapes to achieve high yields? Grape watering management methods As we all know, watering is an indispensable part of plant growth, and for grapes...
How should you water grapes to achieve high yields? Grape watering management methods
As we all know, watering is an indispensable part of plant growth, and the same is true for grape growing. Although grapes are more drought-tolerant than other fruit trees, maintaining moisture is still indispensable if you want high yields and good quality. Normally, the soil water-holding capacity of a vineyard should be kept at 60%-70%; by the fruit ripening stage, the soil water-holding capacity should be appropriately lowered to conserve water, kept at 50%-60%. So, how should you water grapes to achieve high yields? The grape watering management methods are introduced below.
Image: Grape growing
I. Before grape bud break is the first critical period
At this time the grapes sprout, new shoots will grow rapidly, inflorescences develop, and the root system is also in a stage of vigorous activity, making this one of the critical periods for grape water needs. In the arid northern spring, grapes remain covered by moist soil for a long time; if they are not watered immediately after being uncovered, they are prone to the effects of dry winds, causing poor bud break and even shrivelling of the branches.
II. 10 days before flowering is also a critical watering period
During this period new shoots and inflorescences grow rapidly, the root system also begins to produce a large number of new roots, assimilation is vigorous, transpiration gradually increases, and water demand is relatively high. During the flowering period, water is generally controlled, because watering lowers soil temperature and, at the same time, excessively high soil moisture makes new shoots grow too vigorously, which is unfavorable for grape fertilization and fruit set. In sandy areas with strong permeability, if the weather is dry, appropriate watering during the flowering period can sometimes increase the fruit-setting rate.
Image: Grape growing
III. About 10 days after flower drop is the third critical period
During this period, new shoots rapidly thicken and grow, the base begins to lignify, leaves rapidly expand, new inflorescence primordia rapidly form, the root system produces a large number of new lateral roots, and the root system's water absorption in the soil reaches its most vigorous level; at the same time, the first berry growth peak arrives, making this a critical period for fertilizer and water needs.
IV. When the berries begin to color is the second berry growth peak period
At this time the berries grow extremely fast, and sugar begins to accumulate within the berries. New shoots thicken and begin to lignify, and inflorescences develop rapidly. Supplying suitable fertilizer and water during this period can not only improve the yield and quality of the current year, but also have a good effect on the yield of the following year.
Image: Grape growing
V. Berry ripening stage
Generally, in areas with irrigation or good moisture retention, soil moisture is sufficient. If rainfall is insufficient, soil water retention is poor, or heavy fertilization is used, then irrigation is needed. With appropriate soil moisture during the berry ripening stage, berry development is good, yield is high, and sugar content is also high. If moisture is excessive, the berries can still ripen well, but sugar content decreases, aroma is reduced, berries tend to crack, and they do not store well.
VI. When burying grapes in soil for winter protection
If the soil is dry, it is inconvenient to bury the vines, so a small amount of watering is needed before burying. In the arid winter and spring areas of the north, there is a custom of watering with freeze-up water in winter.
[Editor's concluding remarks]Doing a good job of watering in grape growing is the key to achieving high quality and high yields. The grape watering management methods have been introduced above; did everyone understand them?