Cover Cropping Systems for Organically Farmed Vineyards

January 13, 2018 | Author: Anonymous | Category: Science, Biology, Ecology
Share Embed Donate


Short Description

Download Cover Cropping Systems for Organically Farmed Vineyards...

Description

A new look at cover crops and carbon management in our local agricultural systems

Glenn McGourty, Farm Advisor UCCE Mendocino and Lake Counties

Ecological Services of Your Vineyard and Property   

   

Watershed Habitat for native species Pollinators Carbon sequestering and cycling Nutrient cycling Energy cycling through photosynthesis, production of O2 Urban separation and viewshed

Vineyard Floor Management Objectives



Be cost effective Enhance vine health Increase or decrease vine growth by management practices Improve soil health (bio activity, soil structure, water retention, water infiltration) Firm footing for vineyard operations



Control weeds

   

In the beginning…

Negative Effects of Tillage:  

 

Loss of OM Decreased infiltration of air and water Loss of soil structure Loss of soil biological activity and diversity

Carbon Sequestering and Climate Change: 



Increase of atmospheric CO2 from human activity Loss of carbon from soil by tillage = 30% of total CO2 generated

Farming for Carbon 

    

Emphasis on managing soils to accumulate stable carbon Focus on natural processes Soil amendments may also be needed Changes in tillage practices Don’t add more CO2 from soil or fossil fuels Possibility of carbon credits?

Goals in Improving Soil Chemistry and Fertility with Organic Matter  

 

 

Increase in soil N Improved availability of K, S, and P Improved availability of micronutrients (especially if composts used) Increased soil buffering capacity Increased soil CEC Increase bio activity, both macro and micro

Vineyard Organic Matter Per Year, lbs /acre Item Prunings

Conventionally Farmed 900 lbs.

Organic/ BD . Farmed 900 lbs.

Leaves

1200

1200

Weeds/cover c.

1000

1000-10,500

Compost Total, tons/acre

0 1.5

2000 1.5—7.5 t

North Coast Soil Issues: Problems:  Low pH  Low Calcium  High Magnesium  Low Potassium  High clay, poor soil structure  Phosphorus deficiency

Solutions:  Apply Gypsum or Lime  “  “  Potassium sulfate  Initial ripping, cover crops, reduced tillage  Rock phosphorus, compost high in P

Soil Structure and Organic Matter

Improving Soil Physical Quality 

   

You can manage soils to increase SOM Increased SOM often means improved soil structure Change soil structure from blocky to granular Increased soil porosity and lower bulk density with more carbon Improved water holding capacities, infiltration rates

Thanks to those you don’t even see…

Deep Tillage is Important Initially   

Rip to rooting depth Don’t destroy soil structure Apply nutrients and amendments that are difficult to leach before ripping

Vineyard Floor Management: Tillage 

  

Disking Spading Under the vine cultivation Mowing

Alternative Cultivation Equipment

Cover crops and their effects in vineyards Cover Crops

Prevent erosion

Attract benefical insects Increase diversity of soil organisms

Improve soil structure

Retain soil moisture

Affect micro-climate

Increase organic material and soil fertility Source: A. Thrupp

Soil Protection With Cover Crops 

  



Cover crop foliage shields soil from rain splashing, slaking of aggregates Water infiltration rates stay elevated Improved water storage, water quality OM conserved by preventing erosion Mulching effect keeps soil cool in summer, protects OM from oxidation

Immediate Effects of Cover Crops    

Plant tissue is the primary source of SOM Soil life is stimulated Cover crops serve as food source for vertebrates, invertebrates and microbes Soil respiration rates and microbe numbers increase

SOM Forms Quickest Under Sod Culture

 

Root biomass cycles annually Mulching effects conserve moisture, protect the SOM from sunlight and oxidation

Summer Vineyard Floor Management

Cover Crop Types

Grasses and Legume Mixes   

Complimentary in growth Good for improving soil structure, tilth May also improve soil fertility

Grasses: Fibrous Roots

Peas, Vetch, Bell Beans and Oats Cover Crop

Fitting the Architecture of the Vineyard

vs

Self Reseeding Annual Legumes      

Protect the soil and help water quality Produce N (15-30 lbs/acre) Self Reseeding, no tillage needed Habitat for beneficials Potentially good forage for grazing Works best in higher rainfall areas, or vineyards with sprinklers to help germinate seed

Crimson Clover Trifolium resupinatum

Subterranean Clover Trifolium subterraneum

Bur Medic Medicago polymorpha

Balansa Clover Trifolium michelianum

Well Mixed Sward

Spring Dry Down

Seed Production

Perennial Cover Crops    



Can greatly reduce vigor Recommended for fertile sites Grass and legume mixes useful, but not annual and perennial species Grasses: turf-type tall fescue, sheep fescue, creeping red fescue, hard fescue, perennial ryegrass Legumes: white Dutch clover, Ladino clover, strawberry clover—watch out, gopher magnets!

Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea

California brome Bromus carinatus

What is right for your vineyard or farm?   

Sprinklers available? What will grow on native rainfall? What will tolerate cold weather and dryness?

Insectary Plantings

Habitat For Beneficials   

 

Shelter Nectar Alternate prey Pollen Can assist your vineyard in creating self-regulation for pest control

Dedicated Insectary Rows

Parasitoids

Predators

Wild Carrot or Queen Anne’s Lace Daucus carota

Compost and Organic Matter— Helping Your Soil Come Alive  

  

Recycled Pomace Manure, lime, gypsum Produced on Farm or Winery Process takes about one year Applied at one or two tons/ acre

Nitrogen in Compost  r r r

r

Available N = mineral N in the root zone Mature composts: typically 1 - 3% N= 20 -60 lbs of N Unincorporated materials: Effective applied to cover crops before rains Incorporated materials: may release N or immobilize N in short term

Other Minerals in Compost   

.5-1.0% P (10-20 lbs per ton) .5-3 % K (10-60 lbs per ton) Numerous micronutrients

Compost Applications: Beneath vines or across the vineyard floor

Vineyard Floor Management: Wooly Mowers

Useful Tools for Maintaining Sheep

Leaf Pulling by Sheep

Aggressive Leaf Pulling by Sheep

Helpful Resources

Available: UC ANR Press: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/

Thanks for your attention!

View more...

Comments

Copyright � 2017 NANOPDF Inc.
SUPPORT NANOPDF