WA Wine | WAVEx Webinar | Vineyard Soil Health Insights | March 26, 2025
Dr. Devin Rippner, soil scientist for USDA-Agricultural Research Service, shares an update on establishment of a four-acre Long-term Agroecological Research and Extension wine grape vineyard planted in Prosser as part of Washington State’s Soil Health Initiative. Rippner is studying the effects of mowing, cover cropping, compost use and alternative irrigation strategies on soil health in the vineyard that is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, grafted to rootstocks. This webinar shares preliminary results that highlight the uniqueness of eastern Washington soils and preliminary information of how soil health practices can improve soil function and potentially help suppress plant parasitic nematodes.