Page 61 - GrapevineMarApr 2022

Around The Vineyard

to set up to run specific tests and the more sam- are not a permanent resident in the soil and there-
ples of a similar type that they can push through, fore transferred to the growing crops and fruits.
the less their overhead cost per sample. Vineyards At any given time, one can culture the bacteria
are all in a friendly competition for customers and on most produce and vegetables found in grocery
this works since no two wines are the same. So, stores. But be very selective where you buy any soil
take advantage of bulk sample shipments to save enhancers. Most vineyards in my area burn their
money. fall time clippings to prevent cross-contamination.
The valley fills with smoke every fall.
Soil testing is simply one of many available ana-
lytical tools to try and ensure a quality grape every Grape vines rely on their root systems burrow-
season that allows you to make the award-winning ing deeper into the soil as they mature to reach
wine for which you are striving. This article is going new sources of essential nutrients, but this does
to shed light on several factors that understanding reach a maximum depth in a relatively brief time.
soil chemistry may seem to be shrouded in dark- Unless vineyards add copious quantities of fertiliz-
ness. ers, which for in the field is a marketing no-no, the
vines mostly rely on the water they receive from
Vineyards are one of the few places where crop rainfall and irrigation to get what they need to sus-
rotation does not occur. In normal agricultural tain grape growth.
practices, this would deplete the harvest potential
of a plant within just a few years without massive When it rains or when you use irrigation, the
additions of fertilizers. water does not move only downwards strictly by
gravity. There are hydraulic and other forces work-
On an incredibly positive note, vineyards are one ing on a single drop of water, and the bottom line is
of the few areas where the salmonella bacteria that water moves in all directions in the ground.

VINEYARD MULCHERS ELIMINATES

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Soil Chemistry - Whatcom Manufacturing’s Mulch Spreaders are specifically engi- Burrowing Rodents

NO Explosions!
neered for fast, easy & precise mulch application in your vineyard. NO Poison Bait!
It Really Is Rocket Science Our Spreaders are available in multiple sizes with numerous
options and features to accommodate all of your application needs.

By: : Orest Protch

Pressurized Exhaust Rodent Controller PERC ®
• The most effective & safe way to kill burrowing rodents.
• Saves time, gopher mounds are probed not dug out.
• Kills ground squirrels-gophers-prairie dogs.
• Low operating cost & simple to use.
• Preserves turf and landscaping.
H&M Gopher Control ®

Manufacturing & Sales
Phone: 530-667-5181
Phone: 360-354-3094 Toll Free: 855-667-5181
info@whatcommfg.com www.handmgophercontrol.com
Website: www.whatcommfg.com

877-892-5332 The Grapevine • March - April 2022 Page 59

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