Water Requirements for Muscadine Vineyards

Humid Climates

• In humid climates muscadine grapevines require irrigation during two time periods: the first few years of their lifetimes, when they are establishing root systems, and during fruiting periods. Young grapevines require 2 gallons of water per day during dry periods, while matures grapevines require 4 gallons of water per day. At other times, during dormant seasons and in areas with heavy summer rainfall, muscadine grapevines receive enough water through soil to suit their needs. When supplementing rainfall with irrigation, choose drip irrigation. Surface irrigation prevents the occurrence of mildews and foliage damage which is sometimes caused by overhead watering systems.

Dry Climates

• In warm dry climates, such as those found in Oklahoma and Texas, muscadine grapes require more frequent irrigation they they do in other regions. This is also true in areas with sandy, well-draining soil. Check soil moisture every 14 days or so. When soil is dry to a depth of 12 inches irrigate with 1 inch of water. Young plants should be planted in soil that retains moisture up to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. If soil is dry then irrigate with up to 1 inch of water. Drip irrigation is the preferred irrigation method. Water amounts are easily controlled and measured when utilizing drip technology.

Fertilizers and Irrigation

• Muscadine grapes are capable of growing in a variety of soils, but at times they may benefit from fertilizer application. When applying fertilizers it is necessary to increase the amount of water available to the plant. This is important for two reasons: first, fertilizers need water in order to penetrate uniformly throughout the soil matrix and, second, plants need increased moisture in order to efficiently process the nutrients provided by fertilizers. During fertilization supply muscadine grapevines with at least 1 inch of water if rain is not in the forecast.

Considerations

• Plant grapevines on level ground. Water rolls downhill and can pool in depressed pockets. Pooling and standing water damages root systems and can destroy vines. Land pockets and slopes are also prone to frost and fog - these cool conditions will also damage crops. Protect muscadine grapevines from frost and freezing damage and refrain from irrigating them as cool weather approaches. At the end of the growing season, apply a loose mulch to the base of your grape vines. Mulch retains some moisture and also helps insulate root systems against frost damage.

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  rrigate infrequently during the harvest season. Grapes will have improved flavor and increased vigor when the water supply dwindles before harvest.