An Essential Nutrient: Nitrogen is key in vine health as well as yeasts used in fermentation

摘要

NITROGEN (N) is an essential nutrient for grapes. Nitrogen fertilization of grapevines should be predicated on vine performance and nutrient status of the vines. Nitrogen relations in grapevines are complex, varying between cultivars with regard to requirements and the relationship between petiole nitrogen and fruit nitrogen concentrations. During the early days of the development of the Washington wine industry, my colleagues and I at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser were approached by Chateau Ste. Michelle (CSM) to conduct nitrogen fertilization research on grapes. The original intent was to work on Cabernet Sauvignon vines, but previous freeze injury to that cultivar prevented our working on it. So, as the leading wine-grape cultivar at that time, Riesling was selected for the trial. We received funding and in-kind contributions in the form of an 8-acre block of Riesling and labor from CSM.