Thesis (MScAgric (Soil Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / This thesis forms part of a research program that is investigated by ARC Infruitec-
Nietvoorbij and the University of Stellenbosch. The aim of this program is to
quantify the effect of soil and climate on wine quality and character as a basis for
scientific demarcation of production regions. Natural factors are first quantified and
characterised so that relative homogeneous natural terroir units (NTU) can be
identified. Thereafter wines made from these different localities are assessed for
similarities which permit grouping of localities into viticultural terroirs.
The present study involved seven research plots in the Robertson district, making
use of initial measurements by ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij in the 2000/01 and
2001/02 seasons together with more intensive measurements in the 2002/03 and
2003/04. The seven plots are located in two wards, Le Chasseur and Vinkrivier.
Sauvignon blanc plots were marked at two localities, each with two sub-plots
occurring in one block. Three Cabernet Sauvignon plots were marked out. Two
plots occurred in one block in Le Chasseur and one plot in Vinkrivier. Plots within
the same block were located on different soil types so that the effect of soil type on
wine quality and character could be monitored. Morphological examination of soil
profiles at each plot was carried out together with physical and chemical analysis of
samples taken at 30cm depth intervals. Soil water content was measured at
regular intervals to assess soil water tension. Vineyard performance was assessed
in terms of phenology, root system studies, leafwaterpotential measurements,
canopy quality assessment, leaf analysis, shoot growth, and data relating to
ripening, harvest and pruning. Wines were made from each plot by ARC Infruitec-
Nietvoorbij and evaluated by a tasting panel after six months and then again after
eighteen months. Meteorological data were collected in each ward.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/1525 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Roux, F. A. |
| Contributors | Hoffman, J. E., Fey, M. V., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Soil Science. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | Afrikaans |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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