Golden Bay Dolomite Spring Newsletter
Get the soil foundation right and the vineyard harvest will flow
Golden Bay Dolomite is not just a great option for pastoral farmers, it is also especially important for our award-winning viticulture sector. Building soil base saturation levels of magnesium and calcium in your vineyard has many benefits.
A productive vineyard needs a solid foundation, which all starts with your soil health. Golden Bay Dolomite is New Zealand’s finest magnesium fertiliser and is a natural mineral deposit sourced from the top of the South Island at Golden Bay. Dolomite contains approximately 24% available calcium and 12% available magnesium, the percentages of which are ideal for achieving optimal soil structure.
Soil structure is influenced by the opposing forces of magnesium, which tightens soils by separating soil particles, and calcium loosening soils by flocculating particles together, the result is creating an optimal pore space in the soil profile. As growers you’ll be aware of the benefits that improved soil structure provides for vine development, improving drainage, the retention of key nutrients and creating an ideal home for soil biology – all combining in a winning combination to enhance vine productivity.
Our New Zealand soils are often deficient in magnesium. Dolomite builds your soil magnesium and calcium base saturation levels together. These two nutrients are fundamental to achieving healthy soils, pastures and animals.
Vine Growth and Magnesium
A magnesium deficiency is easily detectable on leaf margins. In soils where magnesium levels are less than 10% base saturation, white varieties can show interveinal yellowing with reddening in red varieties, starting with the older leaves. The discolouration will start on the leaf margins and travel inwards towards the leaf base. A lack of magnesium primarily affects photosynthesis depleting the leaf of magnesium found at the centre of chlorophyll and essential for photosynthesis, turning sunlight into plant growth.
Vine Growth and Calcium
Calcium is king and the nutrient responsible for translocating or “carrying” all other nutrients around the plant for vine growth. Vines need nutrients like phosphorous, nitrogen, sulphur, potassium and trace elements for the krebs cycle to keep energy up for growth. This also provides nutrients for optimal fruit development, increased skin thickness, overall crop yield and resistance to diseases. Calcium is also critical to support plants forming better root systems, stems, and leaves for efficient photosynthesis. Deficient calcium may not show up before other nutrient deficiencies materialise, this can be due to the lack of calcium for transportation.
Healthy vines combining magnesium and calcium
Together the correct base saturation percentages of soil magnesium and calcium result in improved grape yields across a number areas;
Less visual deficiencies in grape vines and fruit
Increased brix levels
Earlier harvests
Better flavours due to increased nutrient content
Sustainability fertiliser of choice
Most New Zealand vineyards are participating in the wine industries national sustainable wine growing program (SWINZ) the development of which we are world leaders. Dolomite sourced from Golden Bay meets the standards set by the UN core sustainability pillars the wine industry inspires to achieve with an impressive 96% of vineyards accredited. The six pillars are climate change, water, waste, plant protection, people and soil.
To find out more about the at least 7 ways that Golden Bay Dolomite can support your soil and vine health contact a consultant on 03 525 9843 or email sales@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz