Uncovering the Soil Drivers of Grapevine Nutrition in Tasmanian Vineyards

Grapevine nutrition plays a critical role in fruit quality and vineyard sustainability, particularly in cool-climate regions such as Tasmania. However, the underlying soil factors influencing nutrient availability and plant uptake remain poorly understood. In this study, we integrate physicochemical analysis with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and PCR to investigate the biological and geochemical drivers of grapevine nutritional status across two vineyard sites in Tasmania. The two sites, located only 300 meters apart, present deep differences both in soil and microbiome composition. We show that distinct soil microbial communities, together with specific elemental signatures, correlate strongly with key foliar and bunch nutrient levels. Our findings highlight the interplay between microbial ecology and soil chemistry in shaping plant health, offering new insights into vineyard management practices tailored to regional terroirs.