Planting Principles

26 September, 2006

This article has been prompted by observations in newly planted vineyards around the country after last season’s.

In a lot of cases I was disappointed to see some basic planting principles not being adhered to. Before I’m going into the “how to”, lets have a look at some of the problems I have come across.

SHALLOW PLANTING

This has been the single biggest problem in relation to vine failure after planting. It might be hard to believe, but I have seen plantings that were only covered by 50 to 75 mm of soil!! So, what happens when a vine is planted too shallow? Two things, the first problem is that the top area of the soil dries out more rapidly then the soil deeper down. This will prevent the plant from taking up moisture. Secondly, there will be a greater plant mass above the ground that will be exposed to drying winds. This will result in moisture loss from the plant. Remember, plants can dry out through the bark. Result: minimal growth at the best scenario, dead vines at the worst.

IRRIGATION

Too much, too little. The plant’s response to growth is triggered by moisture, oxygen and temperature around the root zone. A plant will start to grow when the soil temperature gets to around 13-15 degrees C. By frequent applying water by irrigation, the temperature around the root zone will stay cold, preventing the roots to activate. If this “over watering” continues, there will be an increased chance for the roots to rot by depleting the amount of oxygen. On the other side of the scale, as we all know, without moisture the plant will dry out.

So, what are the critical points to keep in mind at planting time?

The goal of the planting is to establish a strong root system at the proper depth. This will anchor the plant during its productive live and it will enable the development of fine feeder roots to take up water and nutrients.

This is accomplished by careful attention to a few basic points:

The fully dormant rooted plants that you have been supplied, have a substantial root system and have made good top growth in the nursery during the previous season.

Ensure that the plants are protected before and during planting to avoid drying and overheating. Do not leave vines in direct sunlight or allow them to dry out. When hand planting, carry the plants in a bucket with some water to cover the roots. Some growers insist in soaking the roots in water for a few hours prior to planting. That’s fine. If plants are machine planted, keep the plants covered with wet sacks

Generally it is best to avoid the coldest winter temperatures.

Spring planting is the best time to plant. In any case the vines should be planted before high temperatures occur.

Do not plant if the soil has been sprayed recently with herbicide as active residue can be taken up by the roots or even kill the plants.

The vines should be set at 25-50 mm below the desired 200 to 250 mm depth, add the soil and gently pull the vine up to arrange the roots in a slight downward orientation. The graft union should be 75-100 mm above the soil line.

Tramp soil around the roots and fill the hole. Be certain there are no air pockets around the roots. A newly planted vine should not be easy to pull up by hand.

Any bunching or twisting of the roots should be avoided to prevent the vine's self- strangulation as it grows. Do not push the plant in a small hole; this will turn the roots upwards, resulting in a plant with “J roots” See photo.

Uniform rooting depth also is very important for controlling drought stress and properly maturing the crop for consistent wine quality.

Throughout the remainder of the first growing season, maximum growth of the young vine should be encouraged.

This can be done by providing a balance between the water and oxygen needs of the developing root system; over- and under watering should be avoided.

If soils are moist, no irrigation is immediately necessary. If irrigating, apply only enough water to wet the root zone and "set" the vines. Do not over irrigate. This not only will cool the root zone down but also will starve the roots from oxygen and prevent new root development.

Do not start regular irrigations until the vines have begun to grow and several new leaves have formed.

Dig near the vines to check soil moisture before starting to irrigate.

Do not fertilize until growth has started, and then do so based on the nature of the soil you are farming. In some cases, little or no fertilization may be required the first year. Use soil and petiole tests to manage nutrients.

We are proud of the product that we provide and with the proper care and adhering to basic principles your new vineyard will grow and flourish. We have plenty good examples of that.