310: Can Your Vineyard Soil Hold Enough Water Without Irrigation?

Can your soil hold enough water to carry vines through the season without irrigation? Miguel Garcia, Regenative Agriculture Project Manager at Napa RCD, shares findings from a 15-vineyard study across California's North Coast. By measuring organic matter, soil respiration, active carbon, and aggregate stability, the project evaluates how soils store and supply water over the growing season. Learn how cover crops, tillage practices, and deep root systems shape soil and moisture dynamics, and how dry-farmed vineyards compare with the broader soil health database.  Resources:   - 4/28/26 Dry Farm Site Tour, New Cuyama, CA | REGISTER - 5/21/26 The Science and Practice of Dry Farmed Vineyards, Paso Robles, CA | REGISTER - 171: How to Farm Wine Grapes for Climate Change - 181: Can Applying Compost Reduce Water Use? - 287: Dry Farming Vineyards: Where It Works and How to Begin - California Winegrape Dry Farming Potential Map - Dry Farming in Coastal California Vineyards - Napa County Resource Conversation District - North Coast Soil Hub Support the Podcast:  - Make a Donation Vineyard Team Programs:  - Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Help students from vineyard families pursue higher education - Online Courses - Earn DPR and CCA hours with expert-led sustainability trainings - SIP Certified - A trusted third-party certification proving your sustainable practices with science-backed standards - Sustainable Ag Expo - Join top experts at the premier winegrowing event of the year - Vineyard Team Membership - Connect with a community advancing sustainable winegrowing