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3 8 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | M a r - A p r 2 015 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m most problems with re-rooting of weeds, since it cuts the weeds at the roots but leaves them in a posi- tion that they could re-root. I find that all of these machines require frequent maintenance and replacement parts, and even more so in rocky terrain. For a clean berm, they will require two passes per row to cover each side of the vine row, likely two treatments per season, and also require a follow- up pass with a shovel to remove weeds surrounding the trunk of the vine. Although there are many benefits to mechanical weed con- trol under the vines, it tends to be expensive, as maintenance is high, the tractor passes are slow, and they require a technical operator. An additional concern is fitting the implement to your spacing. Although they can be adjusted, it may be difficult to use them with a split canopy trellis, so check with the supplier to see if the machine can be adjusted to fit your needs. In moderate row spacing, you can use a double-sided implement if the ter- rain is relatively flat or gently sloped. Sunflower offers this option. In very narrow spacing, it's probably better to use only one side. In steep, rocky terrain, and espe- cially in vineyards that also have tight spacing, some may consider manual weed control with weed eaters and hand-hoeing. This is labor-intensive, and Loconto warns that weed eaters can damage vines if the operator is not careful. N e w t e c h n o l o g y a n d m o d e l upgrades are making mechanical cultivation under vine rows more accessible, adaptable and afford- able. While herbicides are the cheapest and easiest way to con- trol weeds, there are now other options. Remi Cohen is the vice president and general manager of Lede Fam- ily Wines in Napa Valley. Her primary areas of expertise include viticulture, sustainable vineyard management, winemaking, grower and winery relations, and strategic business development. She also writes a wine industry blog, which can be found at blog.vinestowine.com. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. SOIL & CELLAR REMI COHEN ADVERTISE TODAY North America's leading independent wine trade magazine Contact Ethan Simon 707.577-7700 x110