SOIL PREPARATION

FOREWORD

Throughout the book, the most important factors determining the specific soil preparation practices for grapevines, i.e. soil type, soil depth and the quality of the soil as rooting volume, are discussed. Root systems visually demonstrate what they experience in the soil. There is a direct relationship between aboveground growth of grapevines and the soil conditions its roots experience. Plants are excellent integrators of the conditions being experienced; they stand with their heads (aboveground growth) in the hot and dry climatic conditions and their feet (roots) in often poor-quality soil conditions and frequently too small soil volumes. Even though grapevines do not have a terminal growing tip, they will balance aboveground growth with rooting systems. However, if a vineyard is not being managed by taking this balance and the resulting bearing capacity into consideration, the vineyard will not be economically sustainable. An investment in creating a quality rooting volume ensures sustainable plant growth and farming.

The true value of this book lies in the crossing of the boundaries between research, applicable technology transfer and soil management practices. In this regard, the excellence in research, fine observations and the wisdom of the authors are clearly reflected in this book. Lastly, it is good for any scientific discipline to look back over time to reflect how certain soil preparation practices have evolved and what has been achieved with specific practices. However, only this will not take the science of soil preparation for optimal root growth much further if there is no looking ahead. The authors succeeded in looking forward and pointing out what is needed and what disciplines are needed for sustainably managing rooting conditions for grapevines. Soil Preparation for Sustainable Wine and Table Grape Vineyards is a timely publication in that it provides a multi-disciplinary approach with regard to soil preparation and root growth. The book is written in a style which will make it easy for other researchers, technology transfer experts and farmers to internalise the concepts being offered.

All of the above is illustrated by excellent photographs and

discussions of what roots experience in various soil types in widespread viticulture areas.

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