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RECENT ARTICLES | WYNBOER HOME
Wynboer Tips for March
Planning/Evaluation
- Order cover crop seed.
- Update records for each vineyard block e.g. production; grape analyses; parameters for measuring vigour; irrigation schedules, etc.
- Soil analyses should be done in each block every 3 years.
- Evaluate the actual wine goal vis à vis the intended wine goal per block.
- Control whether cultivar planning is still in line with market demand.
In the vineyard
Harvest:
- Monitor ripeness - take bunch and/or berry samples at least twice weekly to monitor ripening process.
- Liaise with viticulturist and winemaker to harvest at the optimum degree of ripeness and according to predetermined cellar parameters and requirements.
Disease and pest control:
- Update IPW records.
- Post-harvest disease control should only be done to retain healthy leaves for building of reserves (remember young vines).
- Post-harvest is the best time to control nematodes.
Irrigation:
- Pre-harvest - abundant water supply as well as water shortages are detrimental to quality. A decreasing soil water content during ripening is the ideal situation.
- Post-harvest - supplement the soil profile to its full root depth and continue monitoring soil moisture.
Post-harvest fertilisation:
- Most important fertiliser application. Fertilise according to vigour.
- Apply three to four weeks after the harvest.
Soil management:
Weed control:
- Spot spraying of perennial problem weeds.
- Only take action if weed conditions are problematic.
Root pruning:
- Only to alleviate soil compaction, in alternate rows after post-harvest fertilisation and irrigation or autumn rain; soils should be moist.
Cover crops:
- Seed bed preparation should start at the end of the month.
Financial
Contact your agricultural economist for information about:
- Viability studies and breakeven analyses.
- Presentations on the economics of wine grape cultivation, industry overview, etc.
- Budgets and financial planning in the light of production cost, establishment cost and other industry parameters.
- Participation in the production plan/study groups.
Compiled by: VinPro Consultation Service
For more information contact Annamarie van Onselen at (021) 807-3027.
Value begins in the vineyard...
VinPro Consultation Service
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