Vineyard Weed Management
Controlling Weeds by Mowing
Mowing is another option used by organic growers in controlling weeds and in orchards and vineyards. It is a relatively fast operation that causes minimal soil disturbance, although soil compaction may become an issue where mowing is frequent. Mowing weeds or cover crops can be used to produce mulch material for weed suppression in the inter-row or intra-row areas. Growers should consider a program of mowing alternate rows, allowing the uncut rows to provide habitat and food sources for beneficial insects in the orchard or vineyard.
Types of Mowers
There are three basic types of mowers: the sickle-bar, rotary, and the flail. The sickle-bar consists of a cutting bar with attached guards and a knife (sickle) that is driven back and forth in a horizontal direction. Rotary mowers have blades that rotate parallel to the ground, which coarsely chop and cut weeds that are growing on the orchard or vineyard floor (See Figure 24.3).
Click on the following topics for more information on vineyard weed management.
