Roots – the grapevine underground part of the plant, are multi-branched structures growing to various depths into the soil. Depending on the grape variety (rootstock), climate, and soil in which they grow, the grapevine root system differs in rooting pattern and depth. Grapevine roots have many functions and thus directly affect grape quality and quantity, therefore any winegrower wants to grow a healthy root system. Below are presented structures and functions of grapevine roots system, as well as the main management practices that winegrowers should pay attention to in order to grow healthy root system.
How Deep Do Grapevine Roots Grow? Exploring the Root System of Vitis Vinifera
Grapevines have a remarkable root system that allows them to thrive in a variety of conditions. Understanding how deep grapevine roots grow and spread out is key to proper planting and care. In this article we’ll explore the depths grapevine roots reach, the factors impacting their growth, and tips for planting grapevines with healthy, robust root systems.
Average Grapevine Root Depth
On average grapevine roots grow 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) deep. However studies have recorded grapevine roots reaching as deep as 53 feet! The depth depends on factors like soil composition, water availability, and vine age.
In compact or clay soils roots grow closer to the surface. In loose, well-drained soils, vines can develop deeper roots exceeding 10 feet. As vines mature the root system expands deeper and wider. Young vines have roots less than 3 feet deep, while mature vines have taproots over 5 feet deep.
Though individual roots may plunge deep, most absorbent roots remain in the top few feet of soil. Grapevines develop a dense mat of fibrous feeder roots in the upper 12-18 inches of soil. This is where the highest concentration of nutrients exists. The deeper taproot anchors the plant and accesses water reserves.
Grapevine Root Spread
Not only do grapevine roots grow deep but they also spread widely. Under ideal conditions, grapevine roots can span over 35 feet wide! However, most root systems extend around 4-8 feet from the trunk.
The spread depends on factors like plant spacing and soil composition. Roots grow fastest horizontally in loose, fertile soils with ample moisture. In dry or compact soils, roots stay closer to the main taproot. Closely spaced vines also restrict root spread compared to vines spaced 8 feet or more apart.
Soil Conditions for Healthy Grape Roots
Grapevines can tolerate a range of soil types, but good drainage is critical. Roots rot in soggy soils. The best soils for grapevines are deep, fertile loams with a crumbly texture that retains some moisture while still draining well. Soils should have a pH between 6.0-6.5.
Before planting, test and amend the soil if needed. Dig planting holes 2-3 feet deep and wide. On slopes, dig terraces to help retain moisture. Amend backfill soil with compost to encourage root growth. After planting, use mulch and irrigation to maintain soil moisture, especially in drought-prone regions.
Caring for Young Grapevine Root Systems
Young vines need extra care for their shallow, fragile roots:
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Water frequently to keep roots moist, about 1-2 inches per week.
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Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.
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Control weeds carefully to avoid damaging shallow roots.
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Avoid tilling around vines, which can sever developing roots.
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Don’t apply high-nitrogen fertilizer, which spurts top growth over root growth.
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Stake vines to prevent wind damage to the shallow root system.
As vines mature over 2-4 years, the roots will grow deeper and stronger. Mature vines are quite resilient, though ongoing mulching and weed control is still important.
Planting Tips for Healthy Grapevine Root Development
Here are some key tips for planting grapevines with healthy, extensive root systems:
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Choose rootstock suited to your soil and climate. This provides a strong taproot base.
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Prepare soil thoroughly to improve drainage and fertility for better root growth.
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Give vines ample space 8+ feet apart so roots can spread out.
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Plant vines slightly higher than ground level to avoid root rot.
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Dig large planting holes at least 2-3 feet deep and wide.
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Backfill with high-quality topsoil mixed with compost.
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Install a trellis system for vines to climb upon as they grow.
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Use fabric weed barriers and mulch to reduce weeds near vines.
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Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
With the right conditions, grapevine roots can plunge deep into the soil and spread widely to anchor the vine. Paying close attention to soil preparation, plant spacing, irrigation, and weed control will ensure your grapevine’s root system gets off to a strong start. This will lead to a healthier, more productive vine that can better withstand drought and deliver abundant fruit.
Structure of a grapevine root system
Mature grapevine roots system consists of older, woody roots (main or coarse roots), from which permanent roots grow either horizontally or vertically. Permanent roots are typically multi-branching, producing lateral roots that can further branch into smaller lateral roots. Number and placement of lateral roots depends on soil properties as they grow towards water and nutrient-rich areas. Lateral roots produce many short, fine roots (also known as feeder roots), which are responsible for resource acquisition.
Distribution of grapevine root system
Majority of the grapevine root system can be found in the top 3 feet (100 cm) of soil, while individual roots can grow to >30 feet (9 m) depth. While most of the fine roots are at depths of 10 to 60 cm (4-24 inch), with the highest density in the upper 20 cm (8 inch) of soil, main roots are usually found at a depth of 18-80 cm (7-32 inch) (Rijal, 2016). The distribution of roots depends on soil characteristics, impermeable layers, rootstock variety, and cultural practices used in cultivation. Since roots of the grapevine are very branched, and can expand to various depth and width, grapevine can thrive in soils that are less suitable for other plants.
The root size and distribution is affected by the volume of soil that is available for the root growth, as well as soil properties, since roots detect available resources and grow preferentially in water- and nutrient-rich patches. Fine-textured soil has a higher water holding capacity, and thus roots in silt and clay soil are normally shallower, while roots in coarse-textured soils are deeper.
While grapevine can grow on it’s own root system, it can also be grafted onto a rootstock. Primarily the rootstock varieties were developed for European winegrape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) as they are not resistant to phylloxera, a native North American insect. Most rootstocks are either native North American species or hybrids of two or more of these species, such as V. rupestris, V. riparia, and V. berlandieri.
Rooting pattern and depth vary among rootstocks, some rootstocks like Rupestris du Lot develop a very deep and almost vertical root system. That’s why this kind of rootstocks are suitable for dry and more infertile soil. While in the case of V. riparia rootstocks, the root system is more shallow and grow horizontally, requires deep and fertile soil.
Selection of rootstock variety is an important factor in vineyard development since rootstock can influence on vine growth, drought tolerance, pest resistance as well as nutrient uptake efficiency. And therefore help grapevine to growth in unfavorable (biotic and abiotic) environmental conditions, such as poor soil, low water, etc.
Cultural practices, such as irrigation system installed in the vineyard, cover crops, and tillage practice, affects the growth of the root system. The type of irrigation system has an effect on root distribution due to irrigation frequency, soil water availability, and spatial distribution of water and nutrients. While drip irrigated grapevines have a higher presence of roots near the trunk, the amount of roots under micro-sprinkler irrigation is higher as the distance of the trunk increases (vertical and horizontal directions), based on the study from Bassoi et. al. (2003). Depending on the tilling depth and type of cover crop, root presence can be diminished in the upper 20 to 30 cm of soil. Moreover, the use of mulches or application of herbicides can increase root densities in the upper 20 cm of soil.
Various factors affect root growth, such as pruning technique, irrigation, year, etc. therefore, the timing of root growth varies between the years. Based on several studies, roots develop primarily between pre-bloom (growth rate reaches it’s maximum at bloom, while after the bloom growth rate decreases), and veraison. While approaching the harvest time all of the grapevine resources are directed towards grapes ripening, and so typically roots don’t grow near harvest time. Little growth occurs also after the harvest, as well as in early spring. During the dormant season, grapevine roots can grow if the soil is warm enough, as in cold soil, roots don’t grow.
While the main roots are growing year by year, fine roots are constantly growing and renewing, they die within weeks after emergence and are continuously being replaced. New roots are of white color, and after a few weeks become brow, and eventually turn black. The browning of the roots means that their functional period has ended, however, they can still serve as a water pipe.
How To Plant Grape Vines at Home in the Back Yard.
FAQ
How deep are the roots of a grapevine?
While most ‘fine roots’ that absorb water and nutrients are concentrated in the top meter of soil, a portion of the roots can grow to great depths (up to 30 m), and extend out several meters from the base of the vine.
How deep should a container be for grapes?
Large container, at least 15-20 gallons, with drainage holes in the bottom. The pot should measure at least 16-18 inches deep and 18-24 inches wide. Avoid pots that are dark colored, they absorb and hold too much sunlight and heat. Wood is an optimal container.
Do grapevines have shallow roots?
Majority of the grapevine root system can be found in the top 3 feet (100 cm) of soil, while individual roots can grow to >30 feet (9 m) depth.Sep 5, 2019
Can I dig up and move a grape vine?
Grapevines quickly establish very deep, wide-reaching root systems and the older they are the bigger those root systems become. When you do dig out the vines, be sure to initially dig at least three feet away from the stump in order to find the rootball, dig around and under it, and move as much as you can of it.