Green manure against weed control
The effectiveness, measured
Time horizon: 1 season
Why it works
A dense legume cover occupies the inter-row and suppresses weeds by competition and shading.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this problem matters
Under organic rules synthetic herbicides are prohibited, so under-row weed control becomes one of the biggest operating costs. Management is mechanical, physical and agronomic.
Mechanical weeding in the row, a competitive cover in the inter-row and mulch are the main levers. The challenge is to control competition for water and nutrients without over-tilling or damaging the vines.
Problem indicators
Certification & rules: The absence of herbicide is an absolute requirement of organic certification.
How to apply the means
- 1Choose the legume mix for the nitrogen need.
- 2Sow in autumn to use the moisture.
- 3Terminate/incorporate in spring before competition.
- 4Log sowing and incorporation per plot.
Frequently asked
How much nitrogen does green manure supply?
It depends on mix, biomass and conditions, but well-established legumes supply a significant part of the vine’s nitrogen needs.
Doesn’t it compete with the vine for water?
It can, if unmanaged. Terminating/incorporating before the dry period and leaving residue as cover reduces competition.
Same means, other problems
Same problem, other means — Weeds
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof organic certification demands — logged by plot and date.
Fertilisation plan & analyses
Per-plot needs, organic amendments applied and soil and leaf analyses in one place.
Electronic field notebook
All operations — weeding, green manure, biocontrol — logged by plot and date, ready for organic certification.