Quality First in Vineyard & Orchard Production
Gregg A. Young, CPAg

This manual, written in the North Coast of California, is the result of over 25 years of work as an agronomist, 3 years of research, and review by soil scientists, agronomists, and viticulturists. The publication identifies and documents gaps in knowledge of soil science common in today’s agriculture. These gaps in result in an over reliance on nitrogen to produce high yields of crops, often leading to more pest & disease problems, poor quality and flavor, declines in soil structure and long term productivity, and inefficient uptake of applied nutrients.

Expanding William Albrecht's principles of Base Cation Saturation Ratios, I describe a hybrid model for using BCSR with other agronomic principles to produce tree fruit and vine crops of the highest quality and pest/disease resistance. I demonstrate step-by-step instructions for interpreting soil analysis lab results and formulating recommendations. I have used these principles successfully on thousands of acres of tree fruits and vines since 1979.

The thesis from which this manual is derived examines the history of this soil analysis interpretation philosophy, its proponents and critics, and the evidence for its use. It provides extensive documentation for the manual. For a copy of the original thesis, please contact me. The manual will be valuable for PCA's, farm managers, winemakers, researchers, landscapers, horticulturists, and anyone who needs a good practical knowledge of applied soil science to recommend or apply fertilizers. Although written for tree fruits and vines, the manual can be used in the production of most crops in all soils below 8.3 pH. Both the thesis and the manual have the following attributes:

• Applicable to many soils and crops
  
• Emphasis on quality instead of just yields
  
• Best Management Practices for efficient nitrogen use
  
• Explores relationships of fertilization vs. pests & diseases
  
• Attention to soil nutritional balance and biological activity
  
• Instruction in practical, useful methods of lab interpretation
  
• Combines the disciplines of soil science, plant pathology & pest management
  

$35 – including sales tax, shipping & handling to U.S. addresses

Gregg A. Young
P.O. Box 246 \ Talmage, CA 95481