Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) production and soil potassium forms in vineyard subjected to potassium fertilization

Potassium fertilization can change K forms available in the soil, as well as influence plant absorption of it and yield but, mainly, it can affect grape composition. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of potassium (K) fertilization on grape production and juice (must) composition of a Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar. Grapevines were treated with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha(-1) year(-1) K2O. Leaf K contents, grape yield per plant and area, total soluble solids (TSS), must pH and titratable acidity, and K available in the soil were assessed. Soil samples collected at the 20-cm layer were analyzed to measure K availability and nonexchangeable K in them, based on studies conducted over 3 growing seasons. Results have shown that K application did not have effect on grape production and must composition, although it increased K contents in leaf blade and petiole. However, annual K fractionation in the soil has suggested that 100 kg ha(-1) year(-1) K2O is the K dose capable of maintaining K availability to plants at more appropriate contents throughout the growing seasons.