This stydy was carried out to study the effect of NPK fertilization and application
of some soil amendment agents on vegetative growth and yield of Thompson
Seedless grapevines in three years 2002, 2003 and 2004. Results were taken in the
second and third season. Thirteen treatments were applied. Three doses of N with
one dose of K, P, gypsum or sulphur. Each N dose was applied in three times as
equal ratios, at the first of February and mid April and May, respectively. While. P
fertilizer was applied with the application of gypsum or sulphur in November. K
fertilizer was applied once at the first application of nitrogen on February.
Soil application with gypsum or sulphur led tol‘irgprove most soil physical and
chemical properties. Adding gypsum or sulphur to the fertilization program gave the
highest shoot length and best root distribution as number of fibrous roots and fresh
weight (g) in the upper layer (0-30) cm and at (30-50) cm depth compared to the
control in three seasons. Higher nitrogen rate (N3) with gypsum or sulphur treatments
led to improve nutrient status as leaf chlorophyll a and b values total carbohydrate
and leaf petioles mineral contents especially N, P, Ca and Mg in the three seasons of
study. Moderate nitrogen rate (N2) with gypsum or sulphur treatments produced
higher yield as number of clusters and weight {g)ivine and improved most physical
and chemical properties of clusters and berries juice TSS value.
Thus, the best treatment in this study was by adding Moderate nitrogen rate
(N2) with gypsum or sulphur treatments to the fertilization program to gain maximum
yield with good cluster quality for Thompson seedless grapevines.