1	Site Selection for Vineyards Dr. S. Kaan Kurtural Dept. Horticulture University of Kentucky
2	Three Aspects of Site Selection Determining factor for commercial succes The three aspects of site selection Climate Soils Crop Hazards
3	Climate Prevailing weather of a geographic region Three categories Macroclimate Mesoclimate Microclimate
4	Macroclimate Climate of a large region – Many square miles The Lower Midwest In Kentucky Continental climate, temperatures fluctuate daily Humid Severe winters (Minimum winter temperatures) Warm summers Most rainfall in the summer months
5	Minimum Winter Temperatures Occurrence defines where grapes can be grown COMMERCIALLY Critical thresholds For European (V.vinifera) -8^oF For French-American hybrids (Vitis spp.) -15^oF For certain American (V. aestivalis, labruscana) -25^oF to -30^oF
6	Freeze Injury Permanent parts of the grapevine being damaged by sub-freezing temperatures Common injuries Winter sunscald Splitting of trunks Death of dormant buds Death of tissue in canes
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8	Types of Freezes Advective: Entire frontal system, little to temperature stratification, ‘top-down’, decreasing temperature with increasing altitude (During Winter) Radiative: Calm clear weather, as the ground cools after sunset. Cold air settles in low areas (Spring and Fall)
9	Length of Growing Season Number of Frost Free Days (FFD) General rule of thumb 150 FFD (early ripening varieties) 190 FFD (late ripening varities)
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11	Growing Degree Day Accumulation Between 1 April and 31 October temperatures >50F predict vine’s ability to ripen a full crop Region I: <2500 GDD Region II: 2501-3000 GDD Region III: 3001-3500 GDD Region IV: 3501-4000 GDD Region V: >4000 GDD
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13	Mesoclimate Climate of vineyard site affected by topography Absolute and relative elevation Slope Aspect
14	Mesoclimate and Radiative Cooling
15	Microclimate Environment within and around the canopy of the grapevine Described by Sunlight exposure Air temperature Wind speed Wetness of the leaves
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17	2) Soil Requirements Wide range of soils Soils affect productivity and wine quality
18	Internal water drainage Best vineyard soils Deep and spreading root growth Steady but moderate supply of water >50 mm of drainage per hour Can be amended during site establishment with tiling but is expensive
19	Organic Matter Percentage Contributes to: Porosity Structure Moisture Availability of nutrients Not greater than 3%-5% OM
20	Texture Direct effects are poorly defined Indirect effects on soil hydrology Water holding capacity Internal water drainage Ideal sites have: Loam Sand-loam Sand-clay-loam
21	Soil pH Easiest property to modify Soil pH between 6.0 -6.8 provide optimum nutrient availability Soil pH < pH5 increases Aluminum solubility
22	3) Proximity to Crop Hazards Elements outside climate and soil requirements Herbicide drift Deer depredation Bird damage
23	Herbicide Drift Growth regulator type herbicides 2,4-D used in row crops, right of ways, golf courses etc. Cause injury and/or serious stunting High risk areas should be avoided
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25	Deer Depredation Affects young and mature vines Most devastating in newly set vines Sites close to woodlands are more prone to damage Extent and cost of protection methods depends on severity
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27	Bird Damage Cause damage by feeding on berries Sugar:acid ratio reach palatable values Proximity of vineyard to wooded areas, power lines increases risk
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29	Summary Suitable vineyard site is matched to appropriate cultivars NO SITE IS PERFECT More emphasis on CLIMATE and TOPOGRAPHY than SOILS
30	Ideal Vineyard is Located… Highest surrounding area Gentle sloping terrain Critical temperatures occur < 15% of the time in 30 year period Spring and Fall Frosts are Minimum Soils are deep and well-drained with moderate OM NOT surrounded by woods
31	For Vineyard Site Analysis Dr. Kaan Kurtural 859 257 1332 or skkurt2@uky.edu Chris Smigell 859 257 5685 or csmigell@uky.edu