Technical readiness:
Mulching is a well-established practice in viticulture, although ongoing research continues to refine the use of biodegradable and vineyard-specific mulch options.Ease and efficiency of implementation:
Successful implementation requires farmers to select appropriate mulch materials and consider timing for application, maintenance, and renewal cycles.Need for training and education:
Vineyard managers benefit from training in mulch material selection, cost-benefit analysis, and how to effectively integrate mulching into broader vineyard operations.Need for investment:
Initial expenses for biomass processing, mulch materials, and labor can be significant. However, long-term savings through reduced inputs and improved soil health justify the investment.
Description
In vineyards, mulching, as a cultural weed management strategy, is the use of organic or inorganic materials around vines to restrict weed development, preserve moisture, and control soil temperature. While inorganic choices like geotextiles or biodegradable films develop a physical barrier against weed establishment, organic mulches such treated grape pomace, straw, wood chips, and compost offer nutrient recycling and advantages to soil health.
Mulching helps stop soil degradation, increase microbial activity, and lower herbicide demand in humid and erosion-prone viticultural areas. Trials in Atlantic temperatures have shown how well biodegradable mulch films and wood-based mulches lower manual weeding labour, increase water use efficiency, and reduce chemical residues.
Mulching helps stop soil degradation, increase microbial activity, and lower herbicide demand in humid and erosion-prone viticultural areas. Trials in Atlantic temperatures have shown how well biodegradable mulch films and wood-based mulches lower manual weeding labour, increase water use efficiency, and reduce chemical residues.
Country
IWM Pillar
IWM Tactic
Crop
Explanation
Mulching naturally suppresses weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides and supporting more sustainable viticultural practices. It plays a key role in preventing soil erosion, particularly in sloped vineyards, and enhances water retention in the soil—crucial in areas with variable rainfall. The practice also encourages deeper and more extensive root exploration, especially in the upper soil layers. Additionally, organic mulches increase the content of organic matter in the soil, which supports a thriving soil microbiota and contributes to overall vineyard health.
Advantages
Provides season-long weed suppression with minimal labor.
Reduces herbicide and irrigation costs over time.
Compatible with organic and conventional vineyard management.
Supports carbon sequestration and sustainable soil practices.
Drawbacks
May be less effective against deep-rooted perennial weeds.
High initial investment in mulch materials and application.
Requires periodic renewal or replacement to maintain effectiveness.
Some mulch types (e.g., plastic-based) may have environmental disposal concerns.
Some animal species ( rodents ) might arrose as a problem.
Some animal species ( rodents ) might arrose as a problem.
Technical Aspects
Policy Recommendations
To support mulching adoption in viticulture—especially in erosion-prone areas and organic production systems—policymakers should consider funding programs that promote the use of organic and biodegradable mulch alternatives. Research focused on the effectiveness of mulch types under different regional conditions would help identify the most sustainable and efficient approaches for weed control and soil protection.
Additionally, advisory programs should promote farmer-led mulching strategies that integrate with other sustainable vineyard practices. To ensure lasting environmental benefits and enhance climate resilience in viticulture, regulatory frameworks should prioritize the use of biodegradable mulches over conventional plastic-based options.
Additionally, advisory programs should promote farmer-led mulching strategies that integrate with other sustainable vineyard practices. To ensure lasting environmental benefits and enhance climate resilience in viticulture, regulatory frameworks should prioritize the use of biodegradable mulches over conventional plastic-based options.
CBA Availability
false
Environmental Analysis Color
green