Under-row low competitive herbaceous cover: A sustainable alternative to herbicide in vineyards

Abstract

Weeds are undesirable plants in agroecosystems as they compete with the crop for essential resources such as light, water and nutrients, compromising the final yield and its quality. Herbicides remain the primary method of weed control in many vineyards worldwide due to their efficacy, economic feasibility, and ease of application. However, rising concerns about herbicide resistance, environmental impacts, health risks, biodiversity loss, stricter regulations, and the increasing adoption of organic farming are posing significant challenges to herbicide-dependent weed management. Winegrowers seek for alternatives that control weeds, and preserve yields, promotesoil health, and minimize costs and management efforts.

A preliminary field study on cover crops mixtures in Changins (Nyon, VD, Switzerland) resulted in the development of the “NoGlyphos” seed mixture. This mixture includes three low-height, low-competitive species: Medicago lupulina, Bromus tectorum and Arenaria serpyllifolia. First observations from 2023-2024 season, carried out in an experimental vineyard, showed promising results for vine row management. These species grow in winter and dry out in spring, forming a natural mulch layer. This mulch effectively reduces weed growth and thereby minimizing competition for nitrogen and water. Additionally, it requires, only one mowing intervention before the harvest. These encouraging results led to the installation of the “NoGlyhphos” mixture in three experimental plots within a private vineyard in Yvorne (VD) during autumn 2024. Three treatments were tested: I) a standard mixture of “NoGlyphos”, II) a “NoGlyphos” mixture composed by Swiss ecotypes and III) a “NoGlyphos” mixture composed by Swiss ecotypes with twice the seed density. These treatments were compared with under-row herbicide control. Plant composition alongside with vine water potential, nitrogen uptake, vigour and yield were assessed.

Preliminary results show promising outcomes, leading to financial support from the Canton of Vaud to encourage winegrowers to use the “NoGlyhphos” mixture in their vineyards. Collaborations with winegrowers from different cantons will allow us to test and then adapt this mixture to different pedoclimatic conditions. By reducing weed pressure while promoting biodiversity, soil health and enhancing vineyard sustainability, the “NoGlyphos” mixture provides a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to herbicide use.