SOIL PREPARATION

CHAPTER 5

than the compacted layer. Uneven or poor growth in existing vineyards caused by plant holes can be corrected by using an ordinary ripper with a wing on the ripper toe. The loosening action must be done as close as possible to the grapevines in order to break up the physical restrictions caused by the walls of the plant hole. Such a once-off remedial action can be done successfully, but it is an expensive practice.

FIGURE 5.18: Horizontal root growth on the plough sole of a Longlands with a loamy sand texture after the soil has been deep ploughed. Deep roots only occurred sporadically. (Louw & Van Huyssteen, 1993) (Photo: ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij).

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