Risultati preliminari dell'effetto esercitato dall'apporto di compost nei suoli vitati

Preliminary results of the compost effect in vineyard In 2007 a study was carried out on two Merlot vineyards in order to evaluate the effect of compost addition on grapevine. Two treatments were compared: application of compost versus no compost application. Soil analysis were performed before compost addition and after the vegetative season. During the growing season SPAD values, chlorophylls A and B contents, soluble solids content, titrable acidity od pH values were measured. At harvest bunches weight and berries weight and volume were evaluated. In both vineyards the soils were calcareous and skeletal with clay texture and alkaline pH. During the first part of the season, SPAD values of the leaves were higher in the vines grown in treated soils compared with those untreated. The chlorophylls content increased from the first to the second part of the growing season and they show significant differences between treatments at veraison only. At harvest, in one of vineyard it was found an increase of productive parameters in the treated vines while in the same plants the soluble solids content decreased. Titrable acidity was not affected by the treatment, the pH values increased. These preliminary results showed that the compost application cas rise the organic matter and the nitrogen content of the soils and, in some conditions, it might affect vine productivity.