Minghua Li , Zhen Li

1 Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China
2 Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Horticulture, 2026, Vol. 16, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/ijh.2026.16.0021
Received: 03 Jul., 2026    Accepted: 10 Aug., 2026    Published: 25 Aug., 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Li M.H., and Li Z., 2026, Effects of organic fertilization on soil health, nutrient uptake, and fruit quality of grapevine, International Journal of Horticulture, 16(4): 235-250 (doi: 10.5376/ijh.2026.16.0021)

Excessive or long-term reliance on chemical fertilizers in grape production can lead to declines in soil organic matter, nutrient imbalances, and weakened microbial functions, thereby constraining the sustainable development of vineyards. This study systematically examines the effects of organic fertilization on the “soil-grapevine-fruit” system, with particular emphasis on soil health, nutrient uptake, vine growth, yield, and fruit quality. The results indicate that organic fertilizers can increase soil organic matter and the availability of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, improve soil porosity, aggregate stability, and water-holding capacity, and enhance microbial abundance and related enzyme activities. Appropriate substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers can also promote root development and nutrient uptake, while increasing grape yield, the sugar–acid ratio, and the contents of vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. However, these effects vary depending on fertilizer type, substitution rate, soil conditions, grape cultivar, and climate. Overall, the combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers is more effective than either fertilization strategy alone, as it can maintain grape yield and fruit quality while improving soil ecological functions. These findings provide a theoretical basis for reducing chemical fertilizer inputs, improving fertilizer-use efficiency, and developing sustainable nutrient management strategies in vineyards.

Grapevine; Organic fertilization; Soil health; Nutrient uptake; Fruit quality; Sustainable production