Floor Management Strategies for Virginia Vineyards

Abstract

Vineyard floor management encompasses all activities related to cultivation and other soil modification, weed management, and intentional cover crop management,both between and within vine rows. This bulletin describes the various floor management strategies commonly used in Mid-Atlantic vineyards and weighs the pros and cons of those systems. Particular attention is paid to the role of perennial cover crops used both in row middles (interrows) and in vine rows (under-trellis or intrarows) for mitigating soil erosion, but also for exerting intentional competition with vines for water and nutrients in situations where it’s desirable to reduce vine capacity. This bulletin also includes information on crop species selection, establishment practices, and perennial management, as well as potential hazards associated with perennial cover crops. In addition, the physical, chemical, and biological weed control options are described