048: Advances in Vineyard Nutrition Monitoring with Dr. Markus Keller
Release Date: 06/25/2024
074: Variation in Young Vine Training in Diverse Climates
Vineyard Underground
In this solo episode, we take a deep dive into the many variables that influence young vine training in different climates. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how climate, trellis selection, rootstock vigor, and regional weather risks shape vine training strategies. Fritz explains how cold-climate growers often rely on double trunks or “spare parts viticulture” to prepare for winter damage, while warmer-climate vineyards may benefit from fast-tracking techniques like green topping and one-shoot training for quicker vineyard establishment. We walk through scenarios where...
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073: Soil Nutrient Interactions and the Role of Potassium in Eastern Vineyards with Dr. Jaclyn Fiola
Vineyard Underground
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes soil scientist Dr. Jaclyn Fiola for an in-depth discussion on one of viticulture’s most misunderstood nutrients — potassium. Drawing from her recent research and extensive fieldwork across the Mid-Atlantic region, Jaclyn breaks down how potassium behaves differently from other macronutrients, where it originates in the soil, and what makes its availability so complex for grape growers. Fritz and Jaclyn explore why vineyards in the Eastern U.S. often see discrepancies between soil and tissue potassium levels and how that can impact...
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072: How Research Influences Our Spray Program Decisions with Dr. Katie Gold
Vineyard Underground
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, host Fritz Westover welcomes Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, for a deep dive into how research drives informed spray program decisions in the vineyard. Dr. Gold brings her extensive expertise in grape disease management to the conversation, shedding light on how growers can use scientific data and field research to refine their fungicide strategies and protect their crops more effectively. Fritz and Katie explore the critical role of disease forecasting models, including how they are developed and validated,...
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071: Demystifying Spray Adjuvants with Paul Crout
Vineyard Underground
In this episode, we are joined by a friend and repeat guest, Paul Crout. Paul is a leading pest control advisor, certified crop control advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition, spray adjuvants, and more in the ag and viticulture realm. He currently works as a leading agronomist with Helena Agra Enterprises in California, and he has the honor of being the only guest we've had on the podcast three times! Adjuvants can be a dry topic, but we promise this discussion provides a lot of valuable take-home information. It’s one of those episodes where you will want to take...
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070: Alternative Canopy Management Practices
Vineyard Underground
There are three alternative canopy management practices that generate a lot of questions and sometimes confusion from growers. So, in today’s solo episode I will cover these three canopy management practices - extreme leaf removal, shoot tipping, and palissage. I’ll go over each of these practices and discuss when they should be used to benefit your vineyard and in what instances these practices should be avoided. In this episode, you will hear: The potential outcomes of extreme leaf removal The impact of extreme leaf removal on grapevine physiology and disease prevention ...
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069: When Are Insects Actually a Problem with Dr. Rufus Isaacs
Vineyard Underground
Growers need to know which insects they need to treat and which they can ignore. While some insects pose a threat to grapevines, others can actually benefit them. In this episode, we have a discussion with the Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University, Dr. Rufus Isaacs, on this topic. Understanding when and what insects are actually a problem versus those that are hanging out or even providing a benefit is necessary for the health of your vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: The insects that are most destructive during bud...
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068: The Evolution of Vineyard Floor Management with Alice Wise
Vineyard Underground
In this episode, we are joined by Alice Wise from Cornell University to talk about vineyard floor management and how concepts and best practices for vineyard floor management have evolved in recent years. Alice has been following trends and successes for grape growers in Long Island, New York, and across the Mid-Atlantic in general with her extension and research roles, and we know you are going to love what she has to share with us. Listen in to discover the evolution of vineyard floor management today! In this episode, you will hear: Why growers decided they wanted a change in their...
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067: Growing for Sparkling Wines in Alternative Regions with Mark Wenzel & Kaibab Sauvage
Vineyard Underground
In this episode, we explore the world of sparkling wine production in unconventional regions with Mark Wenzel from Illinois Sparkling Wine Company and August Hill Winery, and Kaibab Sauvage from Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Colorado. These winemakers discuss their process of adapting viticulture to thrive in challenging climates, turning high-acid grapes into naturally sparkling wines without relying on conventional carbonation methods. The episode covers their brands' evolutions, vineyard management techniques, and creative varietal blends. Additionally, Mark and Kaibab share about...
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066: Q&A – Fritz Answers Early Season Grower Questions
Vineyard Underground
We are back with another one of our favorite types of episodes - a Q&A, where Fritz answers questions from growers like you, from all over the country. In today’s episode, we focus on questions pertaining to early season growing. This includes knowing when to prune and how much and knowing what to do about retraining trunks or working around tricky sections in your vineyard. Listen in now as you get ready for the upcoming growing season. In this episode, you will hear: What to do if bud burst comes early How to predict how much water per acre is needed to spray as the canopy size...
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065: Mechanizing Your Vineyard from the Start with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus & Alan Thibault
Vineyard Underground
Mechanizing a vineyard can lead to significant efficiency gains and cost savings, but it's important to start planning for mechanization early in the vineyard design process. Many new growers overlook this step, which can impact their adaptability for mechanization in the future. In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus from UC Davis and Alan Thibault from Ashton Creek Vineyard and Vigneron Toy Store on the best mechanization practices from the start. By considering mechanization from the beginning, vineyard owners can make sure their operations are set up for...
info_outlineIn this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University on the advances in vineyard nutrition monitoring. Dr. Keller shares his extensive knowledge of the importance of nutrient management in viticulture, drawing from his rich background and current research. We discuss strategies for regulated deficit nutrition management, winter survival tactics, emerging technologies like remote sensing for precision nutrient management, and much more.
Listen in and soak up the information that Dr. Keller shares with us about all things vineyard nutrition monitoring.
In this episode, you will hear:
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Importance of nutrient management for wine quality and vine longevity.
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Nutrient cycling and management, including the role of natural sources and the impact of nutrient losses during harvest and pruning.
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What regulated deficit nutrition management (RDN) is and what its benefits for enhancing grape quality are.
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Advice on tissue sampling and nutrient budgeting, especially in vineyards practicing deficit irrigation.
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The potential of remote sensing technologies for precision nutrient applications.
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How climate change impacts vineyards.
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Resources:
Visit Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide Resources for access to target nutrient values, guides to leaf and petiole sampling, and other nutrient-related content.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University is a renowned viticulture researcher and the author of The Science of Grapevines - a top reference book in the industry.
Connect with Markus – Research Website | Email | Order - The Science of Grapevines 3rd Edition | Listen to the HiRes Vineyard Nutrition Podcast
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode! Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery setup and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.