Soil Basics for Healthy Vines

Healthy vines begin beneath the surface: soil is the foundation that nourishes grapes with the minerals and vitality they need to thrive.

Course description

Healthy vineyards begin with healthy soil. This course explores soil as the foundation of vine vitality and fruit quality, equipping viticulturists with the skills to understand, assess, and care for their soils. By learning how to read soil composition and structure, participants will be able to identify vine needs directly from the vineyard rather than relying solely on external inputs. Emphasizing practical soil care, organic matter, and the soil microbiome, the course highlights how healthy soils create resilient vineyard systems that support long-term productivity and adaptability in the face of climate stress.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Identify key soil components and explain their role in vine and grape health
Assess soil structure, composition, and nutrient balance within vineyard systems
Explain the importance of organic matter and the soil microbiome in maintaining soil health
Analyze the relationship between soil health, vine performance, and grape quality
Apply basic soil care principles to support long-term vineyard resilience and adaptability