We recently had a conversation with Dr. Marcelo Moretti on vineyard floor management techniques, herbicide alternatives, and cover crop options. He also shared the challenges and advantages of various non-traditional methods, including the use of mechanical tools and the impact of new EPA regulations. Below is a quick summary of a few of the highlights from the conversation, including the use of traditional and novel mechanical tools.
Opting Out of Herbicides & Into Integrated Weed Management
Many growers are looking for alternatives to herbicides for managing weeds under the vine row. While others are simply looking for alternative strategies to reduce herbicide use while also reducing weed pressure and maintaining vine and soil health. Historically, conventional farmed vineyards are treated with the cheapest herbicides, and if used over and over, can create tolerant or resistant weeds.
Organic Herbicides
The number and efficacy of organic herbicides are limited and many of these products come with a high price tag. Some growers opt to use organic herbicides in rotation with mechanical weeding or mowing, as a tool to reduce, but not completely eliminate weed pressure under vine rows. If a grower must stick to organic products, they may need to implement a strategy whereby the herbicides are used during times of higher soil erosion risk, and mechanical weeding or other soil disrupting methods are used when the risk for erosion is low (low rainfall times of the season).
Mechanical Weed Control Tools
Innovative machinery like under-vine cultivators, rotating brushes, and mowers offer effective weed suppression, and some will disrupt the soil surface more than others. Tools like the sit-on plow and Radius undercut weeds while accommodating various soil types and vine ages. Successful integration of these tools into vine care practices not only supports soil health but also aids in long-term ecological vineyard management.
If you want to learn more about specific vineyard floor management and herbicide alternatives, check out https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu045.
