Facilitating the Passage of Interceptors through Successful Vine Planting
When intending to use inter-row cultivators, proper planting of vines is a key success factor. Here are some planting tips to facilitate work with mechanical weeding tools under the row.
Ensure straight and well-aligned vines
Vines leaning forward risk being damaged or even uprooted because the tool will arrive before the sensor. It is also essential to have rows well parallel to each other. These two factors will facilitate tool adjustments and their use. GPS or laser planting, for example, can be used.
Good cohesion between the vine and the supporting wires
The vine must be firmly attached to the supporting wire, which contributes to the rigidity of the whole. Otherwise, the vine risks falling over when the intercep tool passes. Stakes placed in front of and behind the plant are useful.
At least 80 cm between two vines
80 cm is the minimum spacing not to be crossed when using inter-row cultivators. Indeed, below this distance, the tool's swing and the space to return to the initial position will be insufficient. Consequently, finding the right setting to satisfactorily weed the row will be complicated.
Avoid stakes between vines
To facilitate the passage of inter-row cultivators, when setting up stakes, think about placing them at the same height as the vine plants and, if possible, avoid having stakes between two vines. A large-diameter stake between two vines significantly reduces the available space for the tool's operation.
Do not leave wires on the ground
After pruning, the operator is led to lower the wires which are sometimes still on the ground in spring at the start of mechanical weeding work. To avoid hindering the passage of inter-row tools, it is possible to have notches on the stakes to prevent the wires from resting on the ground. It is recommended to have at least 40 cm between the ground and the supporting wire and to delay lowering the wires until after the first weeding intervention.
Promote deep root system establishment
The superficial roots of the vines will certainly be cut by the passage of a mechanical weeding tool. That is why deep rooting of the vine is essential to prevent it from being too sensitive to the passage of inter-row tools. To promote the root system establishment of the vine, you should:
- Prepare the soil before planting. For example, use a subsoiler type "ripper" equipped with large tines that do not overly disturb soil horizons. A chisel plow can also be used. The choice of tool depends on the soil type.
- Consider applying a good base fertilization before planting.
- Favor working under the row from the vine establishment phase. During the first two or three years of vine establishment, very sensitive tools equipped with electrical detection and/or hydraulic retraction can be used. To promote the rigidity of the young plant and protect it, placing a stake on each side of the plant is strongly recommended.
Tips for vines on slopes
In vines on slopes, during planting, avoid creating steps. As for row orientation, they should go in the direction of the slope and not follow contour lines.
Sources and references
CUMA Occitanie, 2018, Mechanical weeding of the vine: choosing your inter-row cultivators. Available at: https://opera-connaissances.chambres-agriculture.fr/doc_num.php?explnum_id=208768
