Soil management for yield and quality

The challenge the Australian Grape & Wine Industry is confronted with is to develop and adopt technologies that reduces reliance on irrigation allocation, reduces vineyard variability, remains economically and environmentally sustainable, and produces grapes to meet changing consumer preferences in a changing climate.  Of particular relevance is the increased variability of water availability and the decline in soil conditions as a consequence of using moderately saline irrigation water. Climate change is likely to exacerbate the issue of water quality and availability increasing the importance of soil management practices that better utilize stored water, minimizes competition and improves the functional health of the soil. This project investigates the influence of different soil management practices on vine performance and water utilization building on current knowledge in this area. The project focused on 1) manipulating access to stored soil water through either soil profile modification or soil surface management, 2) quantifying the effect of mid-row cover crops on water availability, and 3) quantifying the impact of Australian native species on vine performance and biodiversity. Vine performance was assessed through measurement of yield parameters, canopy growth and grape quality parameters. Soil water status and changes in soil conditions were also assessed at selected study sites.