In this final installment of the Vineyard Nutrition Essentials series, Fritz is joined by Dr. Jaclyn Fiola, Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University, to unpack the critical role magnesium plays in vineyard health and productivity. Building on prior discussions around potassium, the conversation explores how magnesium functions as a key macronutrient, particularly as the central component of chlorophyll and a driver of photosynthesis and energy transfer in grapevines.
Dr. Fiola explains that magnesium primarily originates from soil minerals, especially in darker, magnesium-rich parent materials, and that soil characteristics such as pH, texture, moisture, and cation exchange capacity influence its availability. There is a delicate balance between magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and nutrient competition can lead to deficiencies even when soil levels appear adequate.
Listeners will learn how to identify magnesium deficiency symptoms, including interveinal chlorosis in older leaves, and why these symptoms typically emerge later in the growing season. The episode also underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis through soil and tissue testing to avoid mismanagement.
Listen now to learn the important role of magnesium in your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Magnesium as a core component of chlorophyll and photosynthesis
- Soil pH, texture, and moisture driving nutrient availability
- Competition between magnesium, potassium, and calcium
- Late-season deficiency symptoms and how to recognize them
- Importance of tissue testing for accurate diagnosis
- Pre-plant and in-season magnesium correction strategies
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Resources:
Visit www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sampling to access Fritz’s how-to guides and videos for proper sampling and target nutrient values.
Listen to Dr. Jaclyn Fiola’s previous podcast episode (episode 73) to learn about the role of potassium in vineyards.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Jaclyn Fiola is a soil scientist who specializes in vineyard soils and soil science pedagogy. She works as an Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University.
Connect with Jaclyn, follow her, and view her research.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store and Shellt Grow Tubes
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
