Winegrape fertilization in spring: strategies for proper vegetative recovery

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO FEED THE VINE IN EARLY SPRING

During vegetative recovery the plant produces new shoots and leaves, strongly increasing the demand for nutrients. If this phase is not supported by a proper vineyard fertilization plan, symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and imbalances that reduce both yield and grape quality may appear.

At this stage it is essential “not to push too hard”, that is, not to induce excessive development of the plant so as not to weaken it and therefore make it more susceptible to biotic (downy mildew and powdery mildew) and abiotic stresses such as cold returns, typical of the season. Furthermore, a balanced plant ensures more stable production.

KEY NUTRIENTS FOR THE VEGETATIVE RECOVERY PHASE

Essential Macronutrients

• Nitrogen (N): to stimulate the lush growth of new shoots
• Phosphorus (P): in addition to promoting root development, it is a fundamental energy nutrient, particularly important also in the flowering phase
• Potassium (K): in these early stages improves resistance to environmental stresses and regulates water absorption in the plant.

Critical micro and mesoelements

Magnesium (Mg) and Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Zinc (Zn), support fundamental processes such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation and flowering.

🔍 OBJECTIVES OF EFFECTIVE FERTILIZATION

Proper nutrition of the vinegrape during vegetative recovery not only supports the plant in its initial phase, but positively influences:

✔️ balanced development of the shoots
✔️ regular flowering
✔️ production quality
✔️ resistance to climate stress and disease

Furthermore, balanced nutrient management contributes to:

• avoid vegetative excess;
• reduce the onset of biotic stresses;
• obtain qualitatively superior productions

🌿 OUR TIPS FOR THE RIGHT NUTRITION 

💧 Fertigation

• Hydrostar BTC – 10-15 kg/ha (vegetative recovery)
• SuprEmo 20 l/ha + Nano.T Fe 5 l/ha* – sprouting

* (in case of ferric chlorosis)

🍃 Leaf fertilization

• NaturBlack 1-1.5 l/ha + Febo Mix 1-2kg/ha – sprouting
• Oro-B 1-2 l/ha + Giove Bio Gold 1.5 kg/ha + Leaf P-Ca 3 l/ha– pre-flowering and post-flowering

We also recommend a bottom dressing with Red Ball at a dosage of 200-400 kg/ha 

Conclusions 

A fertilization strategy for the vinegrape in vegetative recovery must be balanced, timely and based on real nutritional needs. The aim is to foster healthy development, improve yield and contribute to higher quality grapes.

To maximize results, it is always recommended to:

🎯 analyze soil and leaf tissues to better calibrate dosages
🎯 add the correct amount of nitrogen in the initial stages
🎯 use products that maximize the effectiveness of macro and micronutrients

With conscious fertilizer management, your vine can achieve the right vegetative balance, with tangible benefits in the vineyard and cellar.