2008 Professional Soil Scientists
Association of California
Annual Meeting
March 27—29, 2008
Paso Robles, California

THEMES: Terroir – Where Soil Quality Meets Wine Quality, Soil and Olive Oil Production, and Mercury Mine Remediation in the Tablas Creek Watershed in the Paso Robles Area

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Tom Rice, Ron Taskey, Terry Cook, Edd Russell, Kerry Arroues, and Mary Reed

FIELD TOUR INFORMATION: On Friday, a 47 passenger bus traveled to the Buena Vista and Klau mercury mine sites. Tour participants hiked to view road cuts, mine reclamation sites and associated soils and geology. The lunch stop took place at Carmody McKnight Estate Wines and Vineyard and vineyard and regional earth science conditions were discussed. In the afternoon field tour participants hiked throughout the vineyard to view three soil pits (Entisols, Mollisols and Vertisols) and related vineyard practices. Continuing discussions at each pit of soil and wine quality relationships were conducted based on the results of a three-year research study.

On Saturday, the field tour traveled to the Pasolivo Olive Ranch where the participants viewed the olive groves with its 12 varieties and discussed the associated soils and geology. The olive ranch owner will discuss his agricultural practices (irrigation, fertilization, etc.). A tour of the olive oil processing facility and olive oil tasting will be available. The lunch stop was held at Halter Ranch Vineyard and Winery. A discussion of sustainable vineyard practices was conducted by Mitch Wyss (vineyard manager). In the afternoon field tour participants hiked throughout the vineyard to view four soil pits (Entisols, Inceptisols, Mollisols and Vertisols), the associated geology (calcareous Monterey Formation, Sandholdt member) and related vineyard practices. At each pit discussions of soil formation and sustainable vineyard practices will continue. Wine tastings were available for those interested.

Link to the meeting flyer.

Photos courtesy of Edd Russell and Tom Rice

Lunch at Carmody McKnight Vineyard	Group Photo	Edd Russell discussing observations.
Montmorillinite soil at Carmody vineyard.	Wildflowers off Hwy. 41	Tom Rice, Terry Cook & Ron Halter lead discussion.
Tom Rice discussing findings.	Bullhorn provides needed volume for offered descriptions.	Leaning stakes show movement in vertisol soils.
Ron Taskey and Mitch Wyss discuss exhibit poster.	Ron Taskey and John Halter	Sorrento Clay Loam
Naciemento soil