In the world of viticulture, one of the most beneficial and sustainable practices is the use of the vegetation cover among the vineyards. This technique, known as "enherbement" in French, implies the planting of certain species of plants between the ranks of vines. Its main objective is to create a favorable microclimate for the growth of the vine, limit the development of weeds and improve soil structure.
The most commonly used coverage plants in viticulture include alfalfa, clover, esparceta, veza, lupine and rye. The choice of the plant species depends on several factors, such as the characteristics of the terrain, the local climate and the specific objectives of the viticultor.
BENEFITS OF THE VEGETABLE COVER
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Weed control: The vegetation cover competes effectively with weeds, reducing its growth and proliferation.
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Soil fertility improvement: These plants enrich the soil when fixing nitrogen through nodulation and release organic matter after being cut. This contributes significantly to fertility and soil health.
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Erosion prevention: The plant cover protects the soil surface, especially in inclined terrain, preventing erosion. In addition, it helps to regulate the flow of water and conserve moisture during periods of drought.
Implementation and maintenance
The process of establishing a vegetable cover in a vineyard is usually carried out every 4 to 6 years. The first year is dedicated to the work and filming of the land to incorporate crop waste from the previous year. The second year, the land is left in fallow or sowed with a green fertilizer crop. From the third year, repeated cuts are made to control weeds without affecting the growth of the vine.
Conclusion
The use of coverage plants in viticulture is not only an effective strategy for sustainable management of the vineyard, but also contributes to the general health of the ecosystem. This practice demonstrates how viticulture can be sustainable and respectful of the environment, while improving the quality and health of vines.