Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.13
A cultivator used for alleviating compaction in the mid-rows of
vineyards in the Western Cape region, South Africa. (Courtesy of Dr. Eduard
Hoffman, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.)
vigor. Many duplex soils in Australia and South Africa have compacted A2
horizons, which can be improved by mixing the A2 with the organic-rich A1
horizon.
Box 2.6 outlines the methods and soil conditions for successful ripping to
alleviate restrictions on rooting and allow modification of subsoil drainage and
chemical state. The conditions to be alleviated must impose a serious constraint
on vine growth; otherwise deep ripping may simply encourage vines to grow too
vigorously, which is usually not conducive to producing high-quality fruit.
Erosion Control
After deep cultivation or ripping, the soil surface is leveled to prepare for planting.
Bare soil on slopes is vulnerable to erosion, especially when the vines are dormant
in winter, so some form of erosion control should be used. On gentle to moderate
slopes (0%-5%), a cover crop can be used to protect the soil from erosion and culti-
vated into the soil before the vines are planted. Suitable cover crops are discussed in
“Cover Crops and Mulches,” chapter 5. On steeper slopes (6%-15%), earthworks
