6.1 Managing Soil Health

Question 1

What 4 factors comprise good soil health?

Answer 1

Good soil structure

• drainage, water retention, oxygen, erosion resistance, ability of vine to penetrate to sufficient depth

Abundance of organic matter and humus

• Decomposing organic matter improves structure ,water-holding capacity

Presence of living organisms

• Earthworms, microbes to break down organic matter into nutrients accessible to the vine

Available nutrients ~ specific needs of the the vine

Question 2

How can a grape grower figure out if a soil has good health? How often is this done?

Answer 2

• Soil tests, usually done annually