Cover Cropping Systems for Organically Farmed Vineyards
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