YOUNG FLOODPLAIN SEDIMENTS cover the ice age gravel beds in the river and stream valleys. They were deposited only a few thousand years ago. These sediments can be divided into floodplain sands or silts. These are fertile, nutrient-rich locations very well suited for growing wine under favourable climatic and hydrological conditions. The ripening conditions depend on the groundwater regime.
     The soil pictured here was formed on young, calcareous floodplain sediments. The humus enriched topsoil and the plough horizon are composed of clay silt. The fertile substrate was deposited here when the Rhine flooded the area. The subsoil is characterised by a fluctuating groundwater table. The small red and dark mottles are formed by oxidised and reduced iron and manganese. The subsoil is composed of alternating of sand and silt beds. The final layer is a silty sand. This part of the soil is wet to waterlogged even in summer.
     The roots of the vine easily penetrate the friable substrate. However the waterlogged subsoil impedes their growth. The calcareous soil provides the plants with an abundant supply of water and nutrients. The periodic waterlogging of the subsoil reduces soil temperature and impedes aeration. These conditions can inhibit root growth. However, this location also has an advantage: the plants suffer from a lack of water even in dry years.