Once vines are planted, effective moisture and weed control are crucial for their survival and growth. While vines often manage to grow under normal conditions, paying attention to these practices can help ensure optimal survival rates. For imported vines that undergo Hot Water Treatment these practices are even more crucial.
Weed Control
Weeds compete with vines for essential resources such as water and sunlight. The guiding principle for weed control is simple: the fewer weeds, the better. Most newly planted vineyards require mechanical weed control unless chemical methods are used with extreme caution to avoid damaging young vines.
Irrigation Practices:
Establishing an effective watering strategy for newly planted vines can be complex, as it involves determining the best methods, timing, and quantities. For most new vineyards, irrigation techniques like drip irrigation or water lance are recommended. These methods provide precise water delivery directed at the vines.
If overhead irrigation is the only option, it can still help prevent drought stress but requires additional precautions. Overhead systems may compact freshly tilled fields, necessitating re-tilling for equipment access, and can increase disease pressure due to high moisture levels. Additionally, during certain growth stages, shoots may be vulnerable to breakage from overhead watering.
Timing and Frequency:
Irrigation timing depends on soil type and drainage characteristics. Stress in vines often indicates that water should have been applied earlier. Tools like tensiometers and moisture blocks can help monitor soil moisture, but understanding the field’s soil retention is invaluable. Freshly planted vineyards require more frequent watering than established ones because their root zones are closer to the surface.
This need is particularly urgent for hot water treated vines, which dehydrate during treatment and exhibit drought stress earlier than untreated vines. As a general guideline, if there is no significant rainfall (0.5-1 inches) within a week of planting, the vines should be watered.
Water Quantity:
Determining how much water to apply depends on site-specific factors. Overwatering can stress vines, so applying smaller amounts more frequently is preferable to flooding them in one go. When in doubt, consult an irrigation specialist or seek the advice of neighboring growers.
By managing weeds and watering with care, you can significantly improve the health and productivity of your newly planted vineyards
