Which statement about chalky soil is true?

Which statement about chalky soil is true?

• A. It Holds Water for Drought Resistance.
• B. It Increases Grape Sugar to Extreme Levels.
• C. It Blocks Drainage to Retain Moisture.
• D. It Prevents Sunlight from Reaching the Vines.

Answer: (A)

Chalky soils are calcareous and highly porous, which gives them excellent drainage while still allowing some water to be stored in the tiny pore spaces. That means vines can access moisture during dry periods, helping them resist drought rather than suffering severe water stress. The stored moisture isn’t like clay’s high water-holding capacity, but it provides a buffering effect that supports a steadier vine water status between rains. This is why the statement about holding water for drought resistance is true. The other ideas don’t fit: chalk does not block drainage (it drains well), it doesn’t prevent sunlight reaching the vines, and grape sugar levels are driven more by climate, sunlight, and overall water status than by chalk alone.

Chalky soils are calcareous and highly porous, which gives them excellent drainage while still allowing some water to be stored in the tiny pore spaces. That means vines can access moisture during dry periods, helping them resist drought rather than suffering severe water stress. The stored moisture isn’t like clay’s high water-holding capacity, but it provides a buffering effect that supports a steadier vine water status between rains. This is why the statement about holding water for drought resistance is true. The other ideas don’t fit: chalk does not block drainage (it drains well), it doesn’t prevent sunlight reaching the vines, and grape sugar levels are driven more by climate, sunlight, and overall water status than by chalk alone.