The Grape Vine: Its Roots
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Because we cannot see the roots of the grape vine without digging into the soil, many grape growers often make the mistake of not ensuring a well-balanced, properly formed root system of the growing grape vines.
Tests have shown that a grape vine growing with well developed and well distributed root system contains lots of fine roots. These fine roots are the key for the uptake of food and water, which will ensure a well developed canopy throughout the season. It is already proven that for a good eating quality grape or a good quality grape for wine, active growth during the ripening of the grapes is essential.
A grape vine with an underdeveloped root system, specifically fine roots, has a poor buffer capacity against untowaed climate conditions, like drought, heat waves and even unwanted rain. The absence of these fine roots will result in less young leaves to form or develop throughout the season.
It is imperative to have a proper balance between old and newly formed leaves on a grape vine, because young leaves continue to feed the grapes and the root system of the vine. When an imbalance occurs, the grape vine goes into “stress” and will not be able to sustain the composition of the grapes during the later stages of ripening.
In short; the root quality and quantity of a grape vine is essential for good quality grapes, therefore proper soil preparation and the correct chemical substance of the soil must be determined and corrected before you plant the grape vines. Without any doubt, there is a direct relationship between the canopy development and quality of the root system and in the end the quality of the grapes and wine.
Ascertaining a proper root system, results in canopy management easier and your grape vines will not easily go into “stress” when unwanted climate and external conditions occur.
For further details please see my-grape-vine.com
