Travel to the Australian and New Zealand soil science societies conference

Abstract

This travel grant covered the costs associated with attending the combined conference of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc and the New Zealand Society of Soil Science that was held in Palmerston North, NZ, during December 2008.

Summary

During the conference the recipient of this $2,500 Wine Australia Travel Grant gave an oral-presentation on ‘Soil Influence on Vineyard Variability’ which outlined some research findings of the current PhD project.  This presentation generated considerable interest and discussion with other participants of the conference, and helped draw together ideas and provide focus for the write-up phase of this project. Field trips were also taken to investigate soils of viticultural areas found on the North Island; including Hawkes Bay, Bay of Plenty and Martinborough regions.  Were possible, soil management issues were discussed with vignerons or other staff and comparisons were made between wines from New Zealand and Tasmania (in particular Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc). Contact was also made outside the conference with other scientists involved in both soil and viticultural research at both Lincoln University and Massey University.  These links will enable further discussion and critical evaluation of the research.