Soil – The Plant Interface

Soil is the central interface between the plant and water.
In this category, we will explore soil physics, soil structure, water availability to roots, and the interactions between air, water, and roots. We will examine how soil type, profile depth, and water-holding capacity influence plant water status, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and the physiological response of the grapevine.
A precise understanding of soil enables proper irrigation management, reduced stress, and improved bal

Water Dynamics in the Grapevine

Water is the primary driving factor in grapevine physiology. In this category, we address the vine’s water relations—from the soil, through the root system, to the leaves and fruit. We examine how water availability influences stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, vegetative growth, and fruit quality, and how environmental conditions and irrigation management determine the balance between stress and optimal growth. Understanding the relationship between water and the grapevin

Soil – The Plant Interface

hagai shalom

Jan 68 min read

Principles of Irrigation Control

Irrigation control is a managerial–physiological process aimed at matching the amount and timing of water application to the grapevine’s changing needs throughout the season. This control is grounded in an understanding of soil–plant–atmosphere relationships and integrates climatic indicators (such as evapotranspiration and VPD), plant-based measurements (water potential, stomatal conductance, leaf area), and soil data (water availability and wetting efficiency). This approac

Soil – The Plant Interface

hagai shalom

Jan 64 min read

Grapevine Irrigation: The Soil–Plant Continuum

Vineyard irrigation is a central management tool that regulates the interaction between soil, plant, and climate. Its purpose is not merely to supply water, but to control the vine’s water status throughout the growth stages, while balancing vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality. Irrigation management is based on an understanding of soil water availability, water uptake by the root system, and the vine’s physiological response, and is guided by soil- and plant-based ind

Soil – The Plant Interface

hagai shalom

Jan 68 min read

Vineyard Establishment Preparation: Soil Analysis and Foundational Planning

Preparing for vineyard planting is a critical stage that determines vine performance for many years to come. A sound process begins with soil characterization through physical, chemical, and biological analyses to understand soil texture, drainage, effective rooting depth, nutrient availability, and salinity levels. Based on these data, informed decisions are made regarding soil structure improvement, correction of deficiencies, selection of appropriate rootstocks

Grapevine Phenological Cycle

hagai shalom

Jan 58 min read

The Principles Behind Vineyard Fertilization

Vineyard fertilization is based on an understanding of soil chemistry and the availability of nutrients to the grapevine. It is not the quantity alone that determines effectiveness, but rather the chemical form of the nutrients, their solubility in water, and the influence of pH on root uptake. Proper fertilization management requires a systemic perspective of the soil, water, and plant throughout the growing season.

Grapevine Phenological Cycle

hagai shalom

Jan 58 min read