Open Collections

Yasari, Esmaeil

University of British Columbia

Organic-based material, including vermicompost and seaweed extract, can promote sustainable viticulture by enhancing productivity and minimizing environmental impact. In Okanagan Valley vineyards, studies conducted between 2020 and 2021 evaluated the effects of vermicompost, vermicompost tea, and seaweed extract on grapevine growth and productivity. Vermicompost applied to 10-year-old Chardonnay on SO4 rootstock vines at Thomas Ranch Vineyards did not significantly affect most growth parameters or yield, except for pruning weight in 2020 and yield in 2021. Medium and high rates maintained comparable yields to grower practice controls. Vermicompost notably increased soil organic C and total N, with a recommended application rate of 4.44 Mg ha⁻¹ in 2020 and 3.98 Mg ha⁻¹ in 2021 for cost-effectiveness. Vermicompost tea was tested on 34-year-old self-rooted Chardonnay Musqué vines at Blasted Church Vineyards. Application had minimal impact on growth and yield. Higher concentration and more frequent application occasionally improved berry weight and total soluble solids (TSS), but overall effects were inconsistent, suggesting that vermicompost tea's benefits depend on precise dosage and timing. The effect size of seaweed extract on Chardonnay vines in British Columbia and Nova Scotia on growth, fruit quality, and soil nutrients were small. It enhanced cluster looseness, however, and at high rate, reduced clusters per vine and yield. Lower rates and less frequent applications were more beneficial, indicating that moderate use is optimal for grapevine growth and yield. Overall, the studies suggested that while organic-based products like vermicompost and seaweed extract can maintain or enhance soil productivity and grape yield, their efficacy depends on appropriate application rates and frequencies.

Text

2025-01-06

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/90051

Biology

University of British Columbia

UBCO

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/