Vineyard Weed Management
Controlling Weeds by Cultivation
Cultivation works by disturbing or cutting the root system so the plant dies from drying out before it can reestablish its roots. Cultivation easily controls small weeds and is most effective in hot, dry weather with dry soils. Perennial weeds, because of their established root systems, are difficult to kill with a single-cultivation operation and may require repeated cultivation to deplete the weed’s carbohydrates, stored in its root system. In vineyards with cover crops, cultivation may be limited to a row-strip under the drip line in the vineyard.
Weather and Soil Conditions Suitable for Cultivation
Weather and soil conditions play a very important part in the success of cultivation. Ideally, soil conditions should be dry and warm to desiccate and kill the weeds on the surface. Dry soil will enable the cultivator to be effective at uprooting the weeds without creating clods or “root balls.”
Mechanical Weed Control Implements
There is a wide assortment of mechanical implements that can be used for weed control in vineyards designed to stir the soil and disrupt weed growth. The grower’s choice of machinery depends on the terrain, the soil, the types of weeds, as well as the grower’s management system for the vineyard.
Mechanical Implements
There is a wide assortment of mechanical implements that can be used for weed control in vineyards designed to stir the soil and disrupt weed growth.
Row-Middle Weed Control
Disk Harrows. Disk harrows differ from disc plows in that they consist of two or more rows, or gangs, of disks (See Figure 24.4).
Rotary Cultivators. Rotary tillers have blades anchored on rotors that are bolted to a single, horizontal power shaft.
In-row Weed Control
French Plow. The French plow or grape hoe consists of a cutting blade that undercuts weeds working just a few inches below the berm surface (See Figure 24.5).
Rotary Cultivators. Rotary cultivators can also be used for in-row weed control in the vineyard.
Click on the following topics for more information on vineyard weed management.
