Spatial Pedological Mapping Using a Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer at the Tallavera Grove Vineyard, Hunter Valley

Abstract

Wine consumers desire to drink a high quality wine. For producing high quality wine, high quality soil is required. Conventionally, soil quality is assessed qualitatively. Using traditional laboratory methods, quantitative data can be obtained for management purpose, but it is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, new technology aims to address these limitations, namely portable X-Ray fluorescence spectrometers (pXRF). This instrument can be used directly in the field, requires no soil sample preparations, and can simultaneously measure a wide range of elements qualitatively that are useful for pedological studies. The chemical composition (Ca, Fe, Ti and Zr) of soils at Tallavera Grove vineyard in New South Wales, Australia, was studied using a pXRF. The analysis of the soil’s elemental concentration (i.e. Ca and Fe) using pXRF supports management decisions. Measuring the soil’s Ca concentration can be used to identify Ca-rich parent materials (limestone). The limestone indicates good soil conditions for vine production. Fe content was used to identify areas of texture-contrast soils or soil with accumulation of clays in the B horizon. In addition, a soil weathering index was calculated using elemental concentrations (i.e. Ti and Zr) to explore the history of soil formation for making decision of management. This index showed that the soil in the vineyard was affected by two processes: the deposition of materials from elsewhere (Aeolian transport or soil erosion) and mixing of materials from upslope.Existence of marl (limestone) with Ca (A), duplex soil with Fe (B) and three soil profile development patterns derived using the Ti/Zr index (C).