Effect of Calcareous Soil on Photosynthesis Rate, Mineral Nutrition, and Source‐Sink Ratio of Table Grape

Abstract

Vitis vinifera L. cv Aurora grafted on S.O.4 (medium lime‐tolerance) rootstock was grown in pot with a high‐carbonate‐soil and a low‐carbonate‐soil. The aim of the trial was to check soil effect on some physiological features such as leaf chlorophyll (Chl) concentration and gas exchange, whole‐canopy gas exchange, mineral nutrition, dry matter partitioning, and technological grape parameters. Measurements for whole‐canopy gas exchange were taken using a custom‐built, flow‐through whole‐canopy gas exchange system set up to run continuous, automated, and simultaneous net carbon exchange rate (NCER) readings of four canopies. The most significant findings were: (a) high‐carbonate‐soil decreased leaf and whole canopy photosynthesis, grape yield, and total dry matter production; (b) high‐carbonate‐soil increased the distribution share of dry matter in the trunk and roots, as compared to the low‐carbonate‐soil, and decreased the share of dry matter in the clusters; and (c) lime‐stress conditions affected mineral nutrition, especially P and K concentrations, which were depressed in most of the organs.

Keywords:

• Grapevine
• Iron‐chlorosis
• Photosynthesis
• Mineral nutrition

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Mr. G. Bruzzi and Miss S. Civardi (lab crew) for their contribution to the project. The authors are also indebted to Prof. C. Intrieri, Dipartimento di Coltur arboree, University of Bologna, for lending the CIRAS‐1 apparatus. The project was funded by the Italian Ministery for University and Scientific and Technological Research.