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Soil Fertility Workshop

Survey Results

One teaspoon of soil can contain over:

• 2% answered 600 thousand bacterial cells
• 8% answered 6 million bacterial cells
• 26% answered 60 million bacterial cells
• 61% answered 600 million bacterial cells

Soils higher in cation exchange capacity have more potential fertility and also buffer the soil against changes in pH.

• 94% answered true
• % answered false
• 2% answered what the heck do you mean

Increasing the organic matter in a soil will increase its cation exchange capacity.

• 86% answered true
• 13% answered false

Increasing the organic matter in the soil can:

• 2% answered improve soil structure and aggregate stability
• improve soil porosity and water penetration
• reduce erosion
• stimulate soil microbial diversity and activity
• increase fertility
• possibly suppress soil borne diseases
• 97% answered all of the above

You can increase soil organic matter through:

• 8% answered compost additions
• 8% answered cover cropping
• 6% answered reduced tillage
• 2% answered usage of farm chemicals
• 73% answered all of the above

Misuse of pesticides, fertilizers and tillage have no effect on the soil.

• 2% answered true
• 92% answered false
• 5% answered you hippie liberal

Were any of the ideas presented here today new to you?

• 90% answered yes
• 9% answered no

Do you plan to implement any of the soil management ideas and techniques presented here today?

• 94% answered yes
• 5% answered no

If yes what?

• Not sure- will continue to gather information
• I am implementing some of the ideas. I am mainly here to hear discussion and generate ideas.
• Calcium D.E. for mildew control
• Cover crops and tissue tests
• Composting, more sustainable
• Different cover cropping methods
• Cover cropping/more balanced analysis of petiole; soil
• Composting, mulching, cover crops
• Cover crops
• Having just planted our vineyard we are just starting to look into cover crops and organic farming. Our vegetable gardens are all organic and we would like to do the same in the vineyard
• Soil analysis, petiole analysis & consultant
• Cover crop mixes, maybe composting
• I am not a grower, but these ideas are very helpful to further my knowledge of sustainable ag.
• Eliminate in-row tillage
• Tilling at full bloom, watering early & tilling to eliminate weeds before planting cover
• Cover crops, compost, organic inputs
• More variation/ diversity in cover cropping
• Possible use of rose clover or birdsfoot trepil on berm
• Add lime/calcium in smaller increments- add sulfur- check soil sample results first
• Use of limestone to aid in compost efficiency
• Cover crop-erosion control-compost for weed control
• Focus more on timing relative to morning when cover crop in optimal nitrogen exchange availability. Develop more specific & detailed management of vineyard that has been demonstrated to be very shallow soil versus area & deeper soil levels
• Move soil/plant nutrient testing
• More cover crop/sulfur applications
• Compost additions, cover crops-some non-till
• I like to try new stuff
• Under vine cover crops sound very exciting
• Look at using native perennials in select vineyards where too much vigor is a problem
• Watching applications of gypsum/spreading out over time
• Wider search for appropriate cover crop varieties
• Cover crop management
• More sophisticated use of cover crops and less usage of tillage
• Introduce legume type cover crops & native bunch grasses

Are there other topics regarding soil management and practices you believe should have been included but were not?

• Would like to have a comprehensive listing of resources-books consultants, websites etc.
• Weed management-w/o herbicides
• Soil amendments to correct pH or other imbalances
• More on costs of the practices (eg cover crops) would be helpful
• Interested in addressing cost/benefit of cover cropping in pesticides
• Mechanical solutions to weed control that will work on hillsides
• Soil food web-more soil analysis
• Given the time this was a very good session
• Resources of organic material & research behind products
• Farm equipment & it's relationship in overall scheme of soil & vine management. Info related to management of complex sites, i.e. hills & variable soil depths, exposures of elemental concerns
• Some typical examples of Napa valley soil problems and their solutions
• What are some other vegetative trade-off such as gopher drainage?
• Invite a speaker like Jim Wolpert who has data on vigor control and efforts on vines from perennial and annual cover crops
• Microorganisms/mycorhyzae
• An analysis of glyphosate use vs. sustainable? I.E. Erosion due to hoeing etc.-also-mowing in an imperfect world-dust-sustainable soil loss?
• Someone who may be able to discuss soil list results.
• For Senator Chesbro: tax credits for organic farming initiatives
• Suggestions on sustainable agriculture: 1. The state should support and pass the new Bill on Biological Agriculture ( to provide funding to UC program on sustainable agriculture) 2. They should also extend the support over time, long-term funding to Biol. Agriculture, not just for one year. 3. A major training and education program should be developed for Extension Agents and PCA's (Pest control advisor) or organic agriculture and sustainability concepts.
• The prune tree and wildberry bushes were thought to create an overwintering habitat for the wasp that was supposed to parasitize the grape leaf hopper. My question is, what is the habitat for the Mexican wasp that can paratize GWS eggs?
• Could Senator Chesbro's office work with the University people like Dr. Bugg to direct effective research in control/elimination of G.W.S.?

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