Viticulture

Question 1

limestone

Answer 1

–the most common CALCAREOUS rock (calcium carbonate/MINERAL calcite)
–proportions of CLAY and MARL
–most limestones formed in warm, sunlit shallow seas and can be rich in fossils

–Limestones tend to yield STONY soils with a PH around NEUTRAL, invariably well drained but also with GOOD WATER STORAGE.

–Limestone-derived soils are in general valued most highly in COOL-CLIMATE viticultural regions.
IN WARM CLIMATES, The high pH of purer limestones can prompt nutritional difficulties, root growth can be restricted.

Question 2

Types of Limestone

Answer 2

DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE –CALCIUM-MAGNESIUM carbonate

CHALK –subvariety of LIMESTONE

PEDOGENIC LIMESTONE –forms in situ in relatively arid areas –Central Otago and Mendoza –when carbon dioxide dissolved in soil water encounters calcium released by weathering of parent rocks.

Question 3

Colors of Limestone

Answer 3

The colour ranges the colour ranges from almost WHITE to DARKER GREYS and other colours –RED-BROWN –Depending on impurities

–The RED limestone-derived TERRA ROSSA these are moderately ALKALINE and have a good CLAY-LOAM contain