August 2009: Cover Crop Establishment

We plan to lay the ground fallow for several years before planting the new vineyard. This will help rejuvenate the soil, which was farmed for decades before we planted it in grapes 35 years ago. An important aspect of the fallow period is cover crop establishment. Cover crops play many roles--in our case, it will prevent erosion of soil and introduce organic matter to encourage a healthy soil ecosystem. For the summer, we have selected Sudan Grass, which is abundant in growth and organic matter formation. Additionally, pests such as nematodes do not thrive on Sudan Grass.

We prepared the soil for the Sudan Grass in the following manner:

(Below) We spread 5 tons per acre of compost on the soil to support the cover crop and improve the soil for the future vines.


(Below) We then ripped the soil to incorporate the compost.


(Below) The soil was preparedl for seeds using a 10 foot disk on a John Deere 44 40 Tractor.


(Below) A handful of Sudan Grass seed.


(Below) Marty then used a Brillion seed drill to apply the Sudan Grass at 35 lbs of seed per acre.


(Below) Finally, after sewing the seeds, the Sudan Grass is irrigated to stimulate sprouting.