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The 2015 International Year of Soil might be over, but the need for soils to be described and understood is still present. Having discussed soil texture (May/June issue) and soil structure (September/October issue), Geoff now turns to soil profile and helps growers interpret what they see when they excavate or auger a soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on soil structure or "pedality." Topics discussed include the importance of soil structure and its importance to root growth and water holding capacity, sub-angular blocky peds or friable soil, and that the size and arrangement of the peds are just as critical in determining how far water and vine roots will travel through soil.

The article discusses the role of soil texture and soil moisture in influencing vine growth. Topics discussed include use of soil texture to determine the waterholding capacity (RAW) of the rootzone, use of water retention curve to determine waterholding capacity of a soil sample, and considering matric potential to determine stress level of vines.

The article explores the aspects of a quality soil for grape growing among wine industries in Barossa Valley in South Australia. Topics include the significant role of soil carbonate in development of soil quality for grape varieties, the need for amelioration of planting grape and the aspects of soil analysis on impact on vine root growth. It also notes on the challenges in soil quality for foothills.