FERTILISATION GUIDELINES FOR THE TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY

CHAPTER 6

6 PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FERTILISATION PROGRAMME I NTRODUCTI ON As described in Chapter 5, fertilisation programmes must be reviewed annually, and adjustments should be made at the hand of production and quality during the previous year. Leaf and soil analysis data must be used as a basis for this programme, and fertilisation practices must be compatible with the producer’s managerial practices. External technical experts may be used to compile the fertilisation programme, but involvement of the producer in the decision-making process will be advantageous. This chapter supplies the necessary guidelines for compilation of a basic fertilisation programme, by using the foregoing information in this book. Fertilisation cannot be detached from the other managerial actions on the farm. For example, in the case of over fertilisation, excessive vigorous growth, requiring additional labour to control, will be induced, the lush foliage will be more susceptible to diseases, and the luxurious canopy will require more water, thus pumping costs will be increased and higher pressure will be placed on water sources. Additionally, there will be a higher risk of nutrients leaching to ground water and the environment, while fruit quality, storage ability, colour development and sugar accumulation may also be negatively affected. The fertilisation programme is therefore a guideline/management aid which must be adjusted to changing situations that may arise during the season. Based on the information already supplied in this book, it should be possible to calculate the fertiiliser BENN I E D I EDER I CKS & P I ETER RAATH

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