Managing Nutrients and Water

Question 1

Managing Soil Health

Answer 1

The continued capacity of the soil to act as a living ecosystem. Related to:

Structure of the soil: good drainage, sufficient water holding capacity, sufficient oxygen, ability to resist erosion and to allow the roots to penetrate to sufficient depth.

Amount of organic matter and humus in the soil; decomposing organic matter supplies nutrients and humus improves structure and water holding capacity

Number of living organisms in the soil: earthworms and microbes break down organic matter into humus and inorganic nutrients the vine needs to grow

Poor soil health can lead to problems with the availability and uptake of water and nutrients and hence poor growth and ripening.

Growers may test soils during establishment and annually to apply corrective measures

Question 2

Nutrient Management