The soils which developed from this parental material have higher pH. In general, the subsoil pH is high at the north end of the Finger Lakes and decreases in pH as one travels south. The acid gravels, sands and shales along Lake Eried and the southern Finger Lakes proved to be well fitted to Native American grapes and the New York industry developed in those regions. An increase in V. vinifera production has encouraged vineyard establishment at the northern ends of the Finger Lakes. Generalized soil map of New York click for larger map These associations can be clearly seen in the general soil map of New York. It indicates soils with limestone as greenish, those from acid shales and sandstones as pink to red.
Yellows indicate the glacial outwash soils and blues show the lake depositied soils.
Aluminum, soil pH and Grapevine Growth Cations are positively charged ions. Soil pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions. As soil pH approaches 4.5 exchangeable Aluminum ions, per se, disappear, and above pH 6 there are few Aluminum ions potentially available. The aluminum ions are not absorbed by the roots, and they do not enter the vine. Aluminum ions directly inhibits root growth.