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Wynboer Tips for March
PLANNING / EVALUATION
- Order cover crop seed.
- Ensure that records of each vineyard block are updated, e g production figures, grape analyses, norms of vigour, irrigation schedules, etc.
- Soil analyses to be done in each block every 3 years.
- Evaluate the actual wine goal compared to the intended wine goal per block.
- Control whether cultivar planning is still in line with the demands of the market.
VINEYARD PROGRAMME
Harvest
- Monitor ripeness - take bunch and/or berry samples at least twice a week to monitor ripening process.
- Liaise with viticulturist and winemaker so as to crush at the optimum degree of ripeness and according to predetermined cellar norms and requirements.
Disease and pest control
- Ensure that IPW records are up to date.
- Post-harvest disease control only to retain healthy leaves to build up good reserves (remember young vineyards).
- Post-harvest is the best time for nematode control.
Irrigation
- Pre-harvest - lavish water supply as well as water shortages are detrimental to quality. A decreasing soil water level during ripening is the ideal situation.
- Post-harvest - supplement the soil profile to its full root depth and keep up soil moisture monitoring.
Post-harvest fertilisation
- This is the most important application. Wait ± three to four weeks after the harvest.
- Nitrogen fertilisation (kgN/ha) according to norms of vigour.
- Liquid fertiliser to be applied via the irrigation system in instalments over a 4 - 6 week period.
Soil management
Weed control:
- Spot spraying of perennial problem weeds.
- Control problematic weeds after the harvest and before post-harvest fertilisation.
Root pruning:
- Only to relieve soil compaction, directly after the harvest in alternate rows before applying post-harvest fertilisation and irrigation.
Cover crops:
- Seed bed preparation to start at the end of the month.
FINANCIAL
Contact Gert van Wyk for information about:
- - Viability and economic studies.
- - 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.
Motto: Cutting edge advice for sustainable wine production
Value begins in the vineyard...
VinPro Consultation Service
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