Description
The area under the vine row can be covered with processed organic material such as felt sheeting made from hemp fibre or wool. This ground cover prevents weed growth and can last for several years, requiring little to no additional intervention (e.g. herbicide or mechanical weeding before installation, and occasional hand weeding as needed).
Explanation
Once implemented, this solution typically requires no further interventions throughout the year for several seasons. It also avoids leaving the soil bare under the vine row, helping to protect and improve soil health.
Advantages
The efficacy ranges from medium to high depending on the type of material used, with the mulch typically lasting one to several years. Only a single implementation task is needed, with no further interventions required during that period.
It is well adapted for farms facing soil conditions that hinder mechanical weeding, offering a practical alternative where machinery use is limited.
Mulched soil maintains a higher humidity level and remains more stable in terms of temperature fluctuations. It also supports good soil biodiversity.
Drawbacks
The climate and local conditions - such as humidity-can accelerate mulch decomposition, reducing its lifespan. Once the mulch breaks down, weed growth may resume. Persistent weeds can also pose a challenge.
The high cost of implementation is a concern, as laying the mulch typically requires manual labor. Felt materials are expensive, and transportation costs can be significant due to the bulky volume required for just one hectare.
There is currently no mechanical tool available to install the felt, so the process demands several workers and considerable time. Additionally, inter-row tillage tools can unintentionally damage the mulch placed under the vines.
Herbicide may be needed during site preparation before applying the mulch, which could counteract some of the environmental benefits.
Technical Aspects
echnical readiness
The lifespan of mulch sheeting is relatively short, and further improvements are needed. However, as long as the mulch covers the soil properly, it provides effective weed suppression.
Ease and efficiency of implementation
Hand-laying the mulch sheeting is time-consuming, which reduces overall efficiency. Still, the method is effective and typically requires little to no additional intervention for several years after installation.
Need for training and education
While formal training is not necessary, sharing feedback among users is valuable. Peer-to-peer advice on selecting the right material for specific soil and climate conditions can significantly improve results.
Need for investments
The cost of the felt, combined with transportation and labor for installation, makes this a costly solution. It is better suited for small-scale vineyards with high added value or challenging terrain.
Policy Recommendations
This solution still requires further development to improve availability, reduce the cost of felt materials, and extend their durability. Subsidies to cover implementation time or material costs could help encourage broader adoption. Additionally, financial support for research and development, including trials conducted by technical institutes in collaboration with material providers, would contribute to the creation of improved alternatives.
Economic Analysis
The economic analysis indicates that this system is currently not viable, as the costs outweigh the benefits. The time-intensive hand implementation and limited availability of felt material contribute to its high overall cost. Although the reduction in herbicide use and the associated environmental benefits are notable, these advantages are insufficient to compensate for the initial investment and ongoing expenses, resulting in a significant negative economic outcome.
Social Analysis
While dead mulching offers some flexibility in vineyard management, this benefit is not yet widely recognized and does not currently contribute to financial resilience from a social perspective.
Social Analysis Percentage
57.36
Social Analysis Color
yellow
Environmental Analysis
Mulching has a positive impact by reducing chemical use and promoting more sustainable vineyard practices through effective weed control. It also scores well in terms of water conservation, due to its proven ability to retain soil moisture. In addition, dead mulching protects the soil surface by reducing runoff and compaction, contributing to erosion control. However, the long-term effects of erosion mitigation may not yet be fully visible, and the benefits can vary depending on the type of mulch used and local conditions. This variability may explain why its overall environmental impact is perceived as moderate.
Environmental Analysis Percentage
54.25
Environmental Analysis Color
yellow
