Vine growth and fruit development of 'Pione' grapes planted in root-restricted buried and raised beds

The buried and raised soil bed systems which restrict root volume were compared for their effects on root environment vine growth, and fruit development of 'Pione' grapes. In the buried beds the soil and roots were enveloped with a polyester sheet that allowed free movement of moisture but which roots did not penetrate. In the raised beds, the root zones were sub-divided into two types: 1) isolated at the ground level with a plastic sheet, and 2) non-isolated. The characteristics and / or advantages of the buried bed system over those of the raised bed system are a) the soil temperature was 0.8 to 1.7 °C higher from April to June; b) soil moisture changed slower so that it required less frequent irrigation; c) new primary and secondary roots were longer and their peroxidase activity was higher; d) leaf nitrogen and chlorophyll contents were higher, e) photosynthetic rate of leaves was faster during anthesis and berry set; f) shoot growth was more vigorous, and g) growth of berries, development of skin coloration accumulation of total soluble solids content (ITSS), and decrease in acid content were hastened. The above findings indicate that the buried bed system is suitable for dry regions because it promoted better vine growth and berry quality and required less frequent irrigation compared with the raised bed system.