Of all plants, the vine is perhaps the best example of how small changes in soil conditions can be demonstrated to reflect most directly upon the end product.
All committed organic growers, regardless of the crop, are aware of the importance of soil fertility and management for the health of the plant. Good disease resistance is founded in sound nutrition, based not just on NPK, but also upon attention to trace elements, humus, water holding capacity and soil-water management. Knowledgeable producers can manipulate these things in a variety of ways, and rely as much as possible on management actions rather than fertility or pest control inputs.
In organic cultivation, nutrients are provided by composted animal manures and other ‘organic’ waste or by pelletised animal manures, naturally occurring finely crushed mineral fertilisers including;
- lime
- dolomite
- gypsum
- potassium
- and phosphate rock
Also a range of manufactured products such as;
- blood and bone
- liquid seaweed (kelp)
- and fish emulsion products
Organic growers use watering regimes, careful selection and timing of cultivation, mulches and cover crops to further manipulate soil conditions.
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