Our certified organic fabric

Our certified organic mulching fabric

For these three rows of old Gamay vines, we applied a mulch to limit competition from weeds (grasses, dogwood, brambles, thistles, etc.) and to provide a sustainable solution for maintaining these vines. The density of plantation and the goblet system of management does not allow in these vineyards to maintain the soil and to manage the competition of weeds (in water and mineral resources of the soil) by the passage of tools carried on a tractor or a high-clearance machine. At least not at present. 

It is therefore structural work that has been carried out so far. On the whole block shown in the photo, the vines were dehorned and the soil was finally worked with a small tiller to "dry" the weeds present, aerate the soil and stir up the organic matter that was sleeping on the surface so that it could be digested (mineralised) by the soil microfauna. 

To come back to the mulching, it is a question of evaluating its interest with regard to weeds and the vigour of the vine. It should have an occulting effect and be beneficial to the life of the soil and the aeration of the soil underneath. This mulch is in the form of a fabric or felt (3mm thick) made of 100% organic hemp and compressed flax, certified by Ecocert and therefore totally biodegradable.

This fabric should hold its occulting and limiting effects for three years. During these three years it will not be necessary (nor possible) to work the soil with a machine. The soil in the inter-row will become grassy again and it will be easier to cut the grass. It will no longer be necessary to cut the grass near the plants. In addition, there is a good chance that the shoots that would like to leave the base will be more visible and will not be mowed in the future.

These shoots make it possible for these old vines to find their way back into the row as they are the future fruit-bearing horns. If these vines maintain a satisfactory vitality, we could hope and envisage organising a trellising system that is more conducive to work. In addition, we hope and will observe the vigour and the assimilable nitrogen content of the musts of this type of vineyard, where it was planned not to add organic or mineral matter to the soil, but rather by foliar application. Indeed, mulching would strongly limit the effects of a fertiliser on the soil.

However, as the fabric gradually degrades, it will play this role to some extent, as will the successive mowings that will be made. It is therefore necessary to consider the technical interest and the impact on the quality of the berries, all with a sustainable approach (cost, difficulty, impact on the landscape, etc.).