Soil Health Flashcards
1
Q
Define soil health.
A
The ability of the soil to support the vine, enabling it to grow and produce fruit.
2
Q
Name 5 characteristics of good soil structure.
A
- good drainage
- sufficient water-holding capacity
- sufficient oxygen
- ability to resist erosion
- ability to allow the roots of the vine to penetrate to sufficient depth
3
Q
What are 4 factors leading to good soil health?
A
- good soil structure
- abundance of organic matter and humus
- presence of living organisms
- available nutrients
4
Q
What effect does the presence of organic matter and humus have on soil?
A
- decomposing organic matter supplies nutrients
- humus improves the structure of soil and its water-holding capacity
5
Q
What effect does the presence of living organisms have on soil?
A
Earthworms and microbes break down organic matter into humus and inorganic nutrients that are accessible to the vine.
6
Q
What can poor soil health lead to?
A
Problems with the availability and uptake of nutrients and water in the soil, leading to poor vine growth and grape ripening.
7
Q
How can grape growers check if a soil has good health?
A
Annual soil tests
