THE RESPONSE OF DIFFERENT SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN A VINEYARD TO WATER AVAILABILITY

Abstract

The effect of different soil management practices in a vineyard on water availability was studied. In 2006, an experiment of the different soil management practices in a productive vineyard in Rendzic Leptosol was established in the locality of Nitra-Dražovce (Nitra wine-growing area). In 2012, the soil samples were collected from all treatments: 1. G (grass without fertilization), 2. T (tillage), 3. T+FYM (tillage+farmyard manure), 4. G+NPK3 (grass+NPK 120-55-195 kg/ha – 3^rd intensity of fertilization for vineyards), 5. G+NPK1 (grass+NPK 80-35-135 kg/ha – 1^st intensity of fertilization for vineyards).  Obtained results showed that the highest values of soil moisture were determined in T and T+FYM treatments. In G+NPK3, the average value of soil moisture was lower in comparison to other treatments. In the soil profile of T treatment, the highest content of storage moisture (69.5 l.m^-2) was observed, however, in the soil profile of G+NPK3, the lowest content (46.9 l.m^-2) was determined. In comparison to control (G), the average values of available water capacity in T, T+ FYM, G+NPK1 and G+NPK3 were lower by 13%, 7%, 44%, and 65% respectively. The higher doses of nutrients had a negative effect on values of available water capacity. Soil management practices in the vineyard had a statistically significant influence on values of available water storage; while in T the highest value was observed. In G, G+NPK1 as well as in G+NPK3, this water category was absent. Between soil organic content, its labile forms, and soil moisture negative correlation were observed. Hot-water soluble carbon (r=0.405, P<0.05), quality (r=-0.502, P<0.01) and stability of soil organic matter (r=0.359, P<0.05) correlated with available water capacity. At the same time we determined statistically significant correlation between particle-size distribution and parameters of water availability.