Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/662797
34 APRIL 15, 2016 Good Fruit Grower www.goodfruit.com Soils and Weed Management Photos by LesLie Mertz George Bird, Michigan State University professor and researcher, holds a handful of soil, which teems with bacteria and other microbes. He urges growers to use newer soil tests, which include data on microbes and other previously neglected aspects of soil health that are critical for productive orchards and vineyards. "Soil health is a new concept, and encompasses indicators that grape growers and tree fruit growers are often not familiar with, but it is something I feel very strongly that they'll all be using within the next decade." Frost control has become very important to us. In the last 9 years, we have had 5 frost events that have significantly damaged our production. We decided to do something to help mitigate this so our production would be consistent. That's where Orchard-Rite ® wind machines have come into play for us. In mid April of 2014, we reached 24 degrees outside the vineyard, yet we were able to save 100% of the fruit under the machines. Outside of the coverage area, we lost almost all of the fruit. At harvest, we picked over 6 tons per acre in the protected area and less than 1 ton per acre in any unprotected vines. The wind machines also reduced my vine damage. I put the wind machines on 10 year old vines and experienced minimal damage, but any unprotected 1 year old vines were completely decimated by the cold temperatures. In the future, when I set out a new planting, I will install Orchard-Rite ® wind machines to provide protection for the following Spring. Damaging young plants is a huge expense not only in lost production but in extra management costs to replant and retrain damaged vines. I believe that the wind machines will help our Texas wine industry grow consistent crops that our wine makers can depend on to produce superior wines and to reliably supply our markets. "The grape vines under my wind machines yielded 6 tons per acre while my unprotected areas had less than 1 ton per acre." -- Andy Timmons Lost Draw Vineyard Lubbock, TX, USA