Abstract

Vinasse is an organic, liquid by-product of pisco alcoholic spirit manufacturing, categorized in Chile as industrial waste, resulting in a need for re-classification and promotion of its use as a biofertilizer. Three experiments were carried out between 2010 and 2012 in order to determine the doses that do not negatively affect grapevine root systems, aboveground growth, or soil chemical variables. Experiments 1 and 2 (0, 168, 336 and 672 m3 ha-1) were conducted with cv. Pedro Jiménez. The experimental unit consisted of one fourtipped, star-shaped 10.1 L rhizotron (experiment 1) or one plant in a 20 L container (experiment 2). The third experiment was established in the field using cv. Chardonnay with 4 treatments (0, 103, 206 and 412 m3 ha-1) and an experimental unit that corresponded to a group of 4 plants. In the first two experiments, a dose of 336 m3 ha-1 did not affect the aboveground growth but promoted root development. In experiment 3, doses of up to 206 m3 ha-1 did not change the chemical composition of the soil or the aboveground growth, but stimulated a higher rooting index in the first 20 cm of the soil profile. The appropriate use of vinasse, a byproduct of pisco, currently classified as an industrial waste, could provide a good alternative for grape growers when utilized as an organic amendment or biofertilizer in vineyards.