Research Vineyard

Crop research / agronomy

NIAB

General description

Planted in 2015, the research vineyard is used for both scientific and demonstration purposes. It has been set up to reflect UK commercial practice and provide an essential tool to test upstream innovative practices. The aim of our applied research is to improve grape yields and juice quality whilst using resources responsibly and sustainably in ways that can be implemented in the UK’s cool-climate commercial vineyards.

Technical description

Considered to be the UK’s only fully replicated R&D vineyard, with a total area of 1.82 ha, it currently hosts a range of varieties including Bacchus, Chardonnay, Divico, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, along with four different rootstocks, 3309C, SO4, 5BB and 101.14. To date it has hosted trials and demonstrations on rootstock and variety-specific nutrition, frost mitigation, mechanical weed control, soil health and cover crops, rootstock and variety trials, and canopy training systems.

Use: Trial space (e.g. glasshouse compartment)

Location: West Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ