WINE GRAPE GROWERS USE CLEAN WASTE PRACTICES TO REDUCE RUNOFF AND EROSION

The Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT) based in Templeton, California is in its second year of a Clean Water Project that has had a “huge success” with nine participating growers. In the first year, 100 acres were designated to demonstrate Best Management Practices to reduce soil erosion and water runoff, while improving soil tilth. According to project coordinator Dawn Stimson, over 400 acres were directly affected beneficially by the BMPs implemented. The Vineyard Team’s newsletter includes a profile of participating grower Daryl Salm of RLS Vineyard who has dedicated 12 acres of Syrah wine grapes at his Greenfield site for demonstration in CCVT’s Biologically Integrated Farming Systems project. His goal is to farm so that succeeding generations will have land that is healthy and productive. As part of his soil care methods, Salm utilizes cover crops in the vine middles. During late May or early June, once the cover crop is headed out, it is mulched. Cover cropping and mulching are beneficial for weed control and for adding organic matter (carbon) back into the soil. Another method used by Salm for adding organic matter back into the soil, usually done in winter, is banding compost in the vine rows. For additional background on methods and goals of the Vineyard Team, visit its website: www.vineyardteam.org, or contact its director, Kris O’Connor at (805) 434-4848