Soils

From the diverse geology of the Umpqua Valley comes a widely varying mix of metamorphic, sedimentary, and volcanic derived soils. The lower elevations of the valleys are mostly deep alluvial material or heavy clays while the hillside and bench locations have mixed alluvial, silt, or clay structures. Complex faulting, especially in the southern part of the region, can produce large variations in soil types over areas the size of a vineyard. Drainage and moisture-holding capacity vary greatly by soil type, and while most soils in the region do retain water into the growing season, available water for irrigation during mid to late summer growth is generally needed. Soil fertility varies greatly over the region with soil pH differences mostly due to differences in climate and geology.

The soils of Abacela are as complex as the geology, with large variations in characteristics across the vineyards and even vineyard blocks. The five most common soils found at Abacela include Sutherlin, Philomath-Dixonville complex, Dickerson, Nonpareil, and Coburg. In general the soils at Abacela have good rooting depths and drainage properties for growing winegrapes. The soils range from clay loam to sandy loam, which produces unique challenges in terms of water and fertility management. For example, north of the fault line in Cobblestone Hill the sandy loam of South Face, Northeast, Angle, and West Slope blocks requires three to four times the water than the silt and clay loam to the south of the fault. To help manage these differences, irrigation is controlled on a block by block basis through the use of soil moisture sensors.

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