Still time to register for March 26 WAVEx webinar
March 18, 2025 (Seattle, WA) — Wine grape growers are invited to register for an upcoming webinar focused on soil health for wine grape production in Washington State on March 26, 2025, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Dr. Devin Rippner, soil scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, leads a Long-term Agroecological Research and Extension wine grape vineyard planted in Prosser. The four-acre vineyard was planted in 2023 and includes Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties that are grafted to rootstocks. Rippner is studying the effects of mowing, cover cropping, compost use and alternative irrigation strategies on soil health. Data generated will be used to establish best practices for improving vineyard soil health for long-term sustainability and improved grape quality.
During the webinar, he will discuss the following:
- Overview of the statewide Soil Health Initiative
- Definition of soil health as it applies to Washington vineyards
- Preliminary results that highlight the uniqueness of soil health in eastern Washington
- Preliminary information on how soil health practices can improve soil function and potentially help suppress plant parasitic nematodes
Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology (WAVE) is the Washington State Wine Commission’s seminar and webinar series focused on wine research. WAVEx is the condensed, shorter webinar series. Washington State University is a co-sponsor of the WAVE and WAVEx events.
Register for the free soil health webinar here.
To learn more about previous WAVEx webinars, visit www.washingtonwine.org/wave/.
About the Washington State Wine Commission:
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness about the Washington wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. Learn more at www.washingtonwine.org.
