Viticulture
Grape growing (wine, raisin, and table) is the largest fruit industry in Australia, with production across a wide range of environments, from temperate to tropical. Wine grape production and wine making is the largest and most predominant of the three viticulture industries.
Specific considerations for viticulture
Vines are resilient plants and can be grown in different soil conditions. For the highest yield potential, it is important to maintain the soil structure and nutrient balance, with optimal water conductivity.
A BioAg nutrition program for vines is targeted at eliminating any macro and micronutrient deficiencies as well as building or improving soils. For example, address any issues with waterlogging, compaction, infiltration, or nutrient cycling. By improving soil conditions and delivering a balanced nutrient supply, we aim to deliver higher grape yields of consistently high quality, improved colour classification for reds and the ability to reach target Baume’s earlier. Improved soil health provides greater support for vines against abiotic stresses and disease. Reducing dependence on fungicides and insecticides lowers the possibility of delayed harvesting, due to withholding periods. Improving soil parameters such as compaction and infiltration, extends irrigation intervals, while water use efficiency will be improved due to the greater root mass.
Crop solutions
Table grapes
Wine grapes
Organic viticulture
Viticulture resources
- Biostimulants increase yield
For the past four years, BioAg Agronomist and Area Manager Pete Emerson has been conducting a large-scale biostimulants demonstration with a grower near Brocklesby, southern NSW. The innovative grower is keen to explore ways to combat soil constraints and improve crop y...
- Soil-nutrient relationships
Nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium, may be supplied to plants solely from reserves held in the soil. Others like phosphorus and nitrogen are added regularly to soils as fertiliser to be withdrawn as needed by crops.
- Biostimulants to the rescue – enhancing fertiliser efficiency
Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is the term used to describe the effectiveness of nitrogen uptake by plants, whether it be nitrogen latent in the soil, sequestered from the air, or applied as fertiliser.
- Biostimulants increase yield benefits
The yield map from the Summer 2023 harvest near Brocklesby in Southern NSW visibly shows the positive impact of BioAg’s biostimulant program on yield.