Clay
Clay is made of tiny, flake-like particles. Soil with this texture is very water retentive, unporous and malleable.
The role of Clay soil in Vineyards
There are three major types of clay: illite, kaolinite and montmorillonite-smectite. They are made of feldspar, quartz, carbonates and organic material. In nature, clay is almost always mixed together with other materials.
Few varietals like a large percentage of clay as it is difficult to plow and aerate. Root systems have a difficult time penetrating and expanding in these soils.
Because clay has a lot of minerals, grapevines need some to survive. In general, between 5%-10% clay is the best range for quality grape growing.
Clay is made when silicates are chemically weathered by carbonic acid. It decreases acidity in grapes. Pinot Noir gets weight from some clay in the vineyard.
Related Articles
