Back to the Future: Weed Management

Revisiting traditional under-vine cultivation methods with modern tools and precision, this approach to weed management blends old-school techniques with contemporary efficiency. As synthetic herbicides face increased scrutiny and resistance issues, mechanical cultivation is re-emerging as a sustainable, effective alternative. By disrupting weed growth mechanically, growers reduce chemical inputs while improving soil health and biodiversity.

Today’s equipment might boil down to two core concepts; cultivating and mowing, but the variety of tools and manufacturers out there gives growers plenty of site-specific options. From in-row weed knives and more aggressive cultivators to rotary mowers and variable-axis twister mowers, there’s no shortage of gear designed to match the unique needs of each vineyard. These tools allow for highly targeted weed control, giving growers the flexibility to fine-tune their approach depending on the block, season, or challenge at hand. However, the shift requires additional considerations, including the cost of equipment maintenance, repair, and wear overtime. Factoring in these operational expenses is essential to evaluating the long-term economic viability of mechanical weed control.

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