The vineyards out back are mostly prepared for the new season. Pruning and pliage are done, the growers are plowing between rows as weeds begin to grow, and now leaves are appearing on the vines. The clover in that one parcel has been cut and plowed in, allowing the nitrogen stored in the roots to be released as a natural fertilizer.
We've just read that the practice of planting clover or other cover crops in vineyards is gaining ground in the effort to reduce or eliminate the use of chemical herbicides and fertilizers and to help control erosion. The practice is called enherbement. I'm hoping that this test was successful and that we'll see more of it out there. Already, most of the parcels out back have grass growing between the vines. That's the simplest form of enherbement because there's no need to seed and plow each year.
Great news about "enherbement." I just again pulled the clover out from the bases of our yuccas on the terrace while considering leaving it all (after thinking about what I've learned from you).
ReplyDeleteYour vines please me to see the seasons pass.
ReplyDeleteDo they mow between the rows to discourage the mauvaises herbes?
ReplyDeletemitch, I'm not sure the same principles apply to house plants... lol
ReplyDeletemichael, that makes two of us!
chris, not sure... I would guess they mow to keep light and air circulation. Dampness invites fungus and rot.
Probably not. But I liked the thought.
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