Growing Grape Vines: How Soil PH and Nutrients Affect Productivity

In grape growing, the right soil for growing vines is very crucial. It plays a significant role in the capacity to grow a healthy product. The productivity of the grapevine is largely affected by the type of soil, its mineral content and environmental condition. The soil where your grapevine will be planted must be analyzed first. When the soil is lacking nutrients, adding nutrients can be done easily but removing excess nutrients is almost impossible.

Grapevines thrive well in rich, highly organic soils since they are able to adapt well and they don't really need a lot to feed on. One advantage of growing grapes that do not need excessive supply of nutrients is that the lack thereof will not allow excessive weed growth. However, if the soil in the spot you selected is extremely lacking in nutrients, have a professional provide you recommendations on establishing a good soil nutrient base for your grapevines. Obviously grape vine growing is going to be very dependent on carefully balancing the nutrients, which comes with experimentation and paying attention to the affects different mixes and levels have on your grapes.


Also remember that in case of erroneous adjustments done to the soil, it can also result in excessive and unwanted vine and foliage in some areas of your vineyard that have significant impact on the health of your vines. In addition, he pH level of your soil must also be analyzed. The area or region of the country where the grapevines are being grown as well as the waterways and other natural formations surrounding your vineyard affect the alkalinity or acidity of the soil. The pH level found to be ideal for grapevine and its nutrient intake would range from 6.0 to 6.5. Lime may be needed to be incorporated in case the soil is acidic or the pH is below 6.0. Rootstock adapted to limestone soil may be utilized for soil with pH level higher than 7.0 or if the soil is basic.

When grapes are ripening and right after the first harvest season, the soil will need to be fertilized. As the grapevines mature and bear fruit, it would have depleted the nutrients found within the soil. Organic fertilizers have gain popularity among grape growers for various reasons. Manure is an organic fertilizer which is a great natural source of nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that the soil would need in your vineyard will determine the type of manure that can be used as fertilizer.

Grapes will not only need the nutrients from the soil. The grapevines would also need your choice of soil to provide them with good anchorage and proper drainage. Excess nutrients in soil and too much water supply will grow grapevines that are "vegetative." Vegetative grape vines are those that continues to grow leaves but do not bear fruits. Grapes are not responsive when they are situated in puddles and they also do not thrive well in really wet areas. Vineyards that are found to be most established pride themselves with excellent drainage. This is one of the few reasons as to why a lot of vineyards can be found on hillsides as the grapevines need good drainage. Steep hillsides can also provide grapevines with soil that is low in nutrient or organic matter because of years of erosion. The root system of grapevines also demands good anchorage from the soil aside from the anchorage provided by the trellis to support it. To establish a wide root system, loose soil must be about thirty to forty inches.

If you follow these basic rules of thumb on grape vine growing through careful analysis and experimentation of your soil's ph, nutrient levels and proper drainage, you'll have beautiful grapes in no time.