Vineyard Soil Analysis

Soil analysis promotes a healthy vineyard.

Several factors contribute to healthy vineyards --- proper temperature, rainfall and sunlight are all important --- but vintners agree soil quality is one of the vital factors determining vineyard health. They count on soil analysis to reveal any potential problems or nutrient imbalances.

Function

Vineyard soil analysis allows a vintner to determine, to some extent, which varieties of grapes are most suitable for use on a particular tract of land, before planting, and the analysis also allows owners of established vineyards to determine the fertility of their soil. Vintners then amend the soil in the vineyard to correct any imbalances indicated in the soil analysis.

Testing Methods

Vintners take soil samples by boring a 6- or 7-inch-long core of soil from several locations around the vineyard. They package the soil samples and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

Information

At the lab, technicians test the soil samples for pH levels, organic matter composition, levels of major nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, as well as levels of micronutrients such as calcium, sulphur or magnesium. They also determine the presence or absence of microscopic pests known as nematodes.

References

• Northwest Berry and Grape Information Network: A Quick Start Guide to Establishing a Vineyard in Oregon
• University of Missouri Extension: Orchard and Vineyard Soil