093: Vineyard Nutrition Essentials - Phosphorus Fundamentals with Dr. Terry Bates

About this episode

This episode explores the essential role of phosphorus in vineyard nutrition with expert Dr. Terry Bates.

Phosphorus may not grab attention like nitrogen or potassium, but it plays a foundational role in vine growth, fruit set, and overall vineyard performance. In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dr. Terry Bates, Senior Research Associate at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab for Cornell AgriTech, for a deep dive into phosphorus fundamentals. Drawing on decades of research in plant nutrition and root biology, Dr. Bates explains what phosphorus is, where it comes from, and why it is essential for grapevines at the cellular level. From its role in energy transfer and DNA structure to its influence on root growth and fruit development, phosphorus is woven into nearly every aspect of vine physiology. Vineyard owners and operators will walk away with useful guidance on managing phosphorus efficiently while protecting both yield and long-term soil health. In this episode, you will hear: Phosphorus drives energy transfer, root development, and fruit set Soil pH directly impacts phosphorus availability and uptake Mycorrhizal fungi are essential partners in grapevine phosphorus nutrition Excess phosphorus application wastes…

People in this episode

Host: Fritz Westover

Guest: Dr. Terry Bates

Topics covered

• vine nutrition
• phosphorus
• vine growth
• grapevines
• soil health
• root development

Keywords

• phosphorus
• vine physiology
• energy transfer
• root biology
• fruit development
• soil pH
• mycorrhizal fungi

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cornell University, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab

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