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Green roof in vineyards: antiplagas

Have you heard about the vegetation cover in vineyards? Wine is most likely the drink that leaves the least amount of chance for its elaboration. The oenology it is a cutting-edge science with constant innovations in terms of technology and knowledge. In fact, there is the Degree in Oenology in which students develop knowledge ranging from tasting to biology. Let's say that winemaking has changed a lot since biblical times. Next we will see one of the latest discoveries.

What is the vegetation cover in vineyards about?

Today we talk about the vegetation cover in vineyards. For those who are not familiar with the vine environment, it is the vegetation that grows in the earthly streets between each row of vines. Its presence provides different benefits and some other drawbacks, so it is not without controversy. First of all we will answer a key question: what for?

Vegetable cover is beneficial for organic farming. By boat we can soon say that keeps pests at bay y improves soil quality. Going into more detail, it can be said that it reduces the erosion derived from the autumn rains. Contributes nutrients and fixes them to the ground to facilitate their absorption. It oxygenates the soil and improves the quality of the grapes. In addition, insects that live in it decompose the organic matter and pollinate the flowers.

A doctoral thesis on vegetation cover

The doctoral thesis of Maria Gloria Sáenz Romo comes to investigate the subject. Your name, «Effect of vineyard soil management on the abundance and diversity of arthropods » , make the issue very clear. He reached these conclusions after a two-year study.

  • El tillage soil (without vegetation cover) was the one that less insects in general presented.
  • La spontaneous cover increased the amount of predatory insects y phytophagous (they eat plant matter). They are not a threat because they are generally not vine pests. The opposite occurs because they attract generalist predators.
  • La sown floricultural cover it is the one that contributes the greatest diversity of insects. Greater abundance of phytoseid mites on the vine leaves. These mites are what eat other mites.
Rioja 2018 harvest
Farmer working the vineyard

Habitat conservation helps protect plants from pests while keeping the soil in optimal condition. The biodiversity, which is very valuable. Insects are a fundamental part of the ecosystem balance even if they seem insignificant. The lion is not the king of the jungle because without insects there would be no jungle where it could live.

Contrast with conventional intensive farming techniques. The latter favor soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. We refer to monoculture, tillage and to the use of pesticides.

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Grapes on the vine

What plants to plant?

The options are usually summarized in two: native vegetation o introduced plants. The introduced ones that are usually planted are the winter cereals. These grow fairly quickly and cover the surface quickly. Oatmeal, barley y rye are good examples. On the other hand, if the cover is going to have the utility of green manure we sow legumes (vetch, alfalfa, lupine, clover ...). The most used mixture is vetch / alfalfa to take advantage of the virtues of both.

All the dates sowing and reaping are important. The usual thing is to sow in autumn or let the native vegetation grow. Mowing takes place when flowering begins to control the erosion of the land. It can also be done in June to control the vigor of the vineyard. If it competes excessively with the vineyard, we must end it as quickly as possible clearing it.

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Tractor in the vineyard / Photo: Hacienda El Carche

Possible downsides

The main drawbacks of vegetation cover in vineyards Not many. However, they are factors to take into account when growing the vine. The first is an excessive competition for nutrients. Vegetation cover also competes for water and favors spring frosts. Despite these possible damages, it is more profitable than tillage and herbicides. The dangers of these two are far greater.

These include the erosion from the ground, as there are no roots to grip it, or toxicity on the floor. There is also the risk of damaging the surface roots with blades when clearing the area. Not to mention the contamination of waters underground and CO2 emission by machinery. The three disadvantages of the cover are nothing compared to all these risks and more out there.

In short, we are facing a great advance in the ecological agriculture that allows us to coexist in relation to symbiosis with other species. The vineyard vegetation cover It's a good example. 

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