FROM VINE TO WINE – CHAPTER 3: SOIL MAINTENANCE

June is a crucial month for the winegrower because it is for him the time to prepare flowering and harvesting.

• What is soil maintenance ?

Soil maintenance corresponds to the 3rd step of the vine life cycle. This is one of the main constraints for the winegrower.

• What does soil maintenance do?

1. It allows to fight against the development of self-propagating plants which are the organisms responsible for the biggest loss of yield on field crops (they are often assimilated to weeds);
2. It is used to form furrows to allow a better evacuation of water;
3. It allows the protection of the vine in case of frost;
4. It permits to bury fertilizers to feed the vine and improve its yield.

• Is there an alternative method?

Winegrowers are now increasingly using grassing method. This method is called natural grassing “controlled”, it corresponds to letting the natural flora take root at the foot of the vines. So, the winegrower can naturally control the growth (20 cm maximum height) rather than using herbicide.?

All in all, it is a much more natural method.