Kontext

Using tillage for the management of weeds in the rows of vines at vineyards that employ organic production techniques is an efficient process. However, the removal of the plant life that grows under the rows of vines is a complicated task due to the risk of damage it poses to the vines. Depending on the type of weeds involved, tillage may be not only costly, but also inefficient.

The use of specific under-vine weeders has enabled progress in weed control, particularly those with hydraulic springs. However, in some cases the hardness of the ground means that these weeding machines may have to work more intensely, which may damage the vines. At the same time, the ability to remove weeds under the vines cannot be fully guaranteed as it depends on the floristic composition, architecture and plant life structure of the species to be removed.

In recent years, certain species of hardy and quick-growing weeds, such as Conyza bonariensis  have been identified at fruit orchards and vineyards. These species  pose the biggest threat to various strategic production sectors.

One of the possible alternatives to the use of under-vine weeders is the use of mulch, particularly organic mulch. In general, organic mulch inhibits the growth of weeds thanks to both its physical effects  and chemical effects.

Moreover, the effect of mulch not only reduces the population of weeds in vines, but also improves a number of soil quality indicators.

This study also considers weed control using bioherbicides. The implementation of this alternative, however, is hindered by a lack of the necessary experimental knowledge and technological advances. Using alternatives to traditional mechanical methods at vineyards to control weeds may lead to a number of positive outcomes.