5.2 Soil Preparation

Question 1

What are the 3 main factors taken into consideration when ensuring soil is suitable for growing grapes?

Answer 1

1. Drainage and structure
2. Mineral composition
3. Presence of pests or unwanted plants

Question 2

What are the 4 main effects of soil structure on grape growing?

Answer 2

1. root penetration
2. water drainage
3. nutrient holding capacity
4. workability

Question 3

What are 5 common soil practices that may need to occur before vines are planted?

Answer 3

1. Removing large rocks near the surface
2. Subsoiling: breaking down a plough pan (a layer of impervious soil that formed after years of ploughing)
3. Removing old roots (burned to prevent disease)
4. Applying herbicides to treat weeds
5. Applying manure, compost, fertilizers to increase nutrients

Question 4

What is ploughing? Why is it carried out?

Answer 4

• Turning over the surface layer of the soil and burying it

- Done to incorporate manure, compost or fertilizers into the soil better

Question 5

What steps may be taken on very steep slopes?

Answer 5

• Constructing terraces to provide flat land on which to plant vines