Grapevine Fertilization
The best way to determine fertilizer needs of the plants
is by following recommendations based on soil sample results. The
recommendations given here are general and should be fine tuned to the
fertility and nutrient holding ability of your particular soil, and the
observations of the growth of your plants.
On new plantings, fertilize after growth begins with 3
tablespoons of 13-13-13 or similar fertilizer scattered in a 24 diameter
circle around each plant, keeping 6 inches away from the trunk.
Repeat twice at monthly intervals, scattering in slightly larger circles
each time. On older plantings, apply the same fertilizer at the rate
of 1 1/2 cups per vine scattered beneath the plant. Apply fertilizer
in March or early April. The composition of various synthetic
fertilizers is listed in the "Table of nutrient composition of synthetic fertilizers, and approximate
composition of manures
and organic fertilizers".
If organic fertilizer sources are used and nutrient levels
are not known, see the approximate composition of various manures and
organic fertilizers is listed in the "Table of
nutrient composition of synthetic fertilizers, and approximate composition
of manures and organic fertilizers". If you have a large amount of
non-manure compost material and
want to know the nutritional value, you may have it analyzed by the
University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory at
http://www.soiltest.psu.missouri.edu/ (just check in at the your County
Extension office). If you have a large amount of manure to use and
want to know what the nutritional value is, you may have it analyzed by
Forage Livestock Nutritional Lab Services at
http://www.mid-southdairy.com/LNLSDown.asp .
