The status of soil health in the viticulture and wine industry – A review (Executive Summary)

Abstract

The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) commissioned a detailed scientific review of R and D related to soil health in viticulture and other relevant industries in Australia. The review was to consider soil health in a 'holistic' sense, encompassing the chemical, physical and biological aspects that interact to determine a soil's condition. The overall aim of the review was to identify what is known about soil health, where gaps in knowledge about soil health with specific reference to viticulture occur, and how these gaps might be addressed in future research and development that could be funded by GWRDC.

Summary

What is soil health?  ‘Soil health’ is a relatively recent term that in popular parlance has replaced the more rigorously defined concept of ‘soil quality’. Whereas soil quality describes a soil‟s fitness for purpose, taking account of a range of inherent and dynamic soil properties, soil health emphasizes soil biology and the concept of a soil supplying ecosystem services.

This review examined Australian and international literature on soil health in a holistic sense, that is, soil health equals soil quality. The focus was on the interaction of physical, chemical and biological properties that drives important soil processes, and how these processes influence the soil‟s function in promoting healthy vines, producing quality wine grapes. National and international experts on soil quality were consulted and a selection of growers and industry personnel were surveyed on a range of soil quality issues and their management.