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This research examines microbial activities in the rooting zone soil of 'Concord' (Vitis labruscana Bailey) vineyards in central Washington. Our aim was to understand how cover crops could impact microbial activities, enhance iron (Fe) bioavailability to the grapevines, and increase overall soil health. A high throughput, cost-effective method for quantifying siderophore production was developed and applied to characterize the siderophore-producing members of the 'Concord' root zone community. Ten distinct pseudomonad genomes, forming two different taxonomic and functionally unique clades with potential impact on vine chlorosis were described. Soil microbial enzyme activities were also monitored in soil samples from vine rows and under the cover crops, taken at different physiological stages (bloom and veraison). The soil and plant responses were significantly different in both locations and physiological stages. Overall, cover cropping enhanced the vineyard soil health and increased microbial activity, but the effects were concentrated directly under the cover crop and did not significantly impact grapevine chlorosis. Future work should target amendments and management options specifically in the rooting zone of the grapevines, and attempt to monitor over a longer period of time. |
