5_2_strict_grapes

Specific requirements for vineyards are:

Overall, bare soil management of vineyards throughout the year is not permitted. Bare soil management is permitted in spring and summer to avoid competition for water and nutrients. Exceptions are young vineyards (first two- three years).

Green cover can be used depending on local conditions. A vegetation cover (spontaneous or sown) in at least the alleyways is mandatory during the wintertime.

Regional or national guidelines must specify a maximum width for the weed free strip and/or percentage of the soil surface, which may be weed-free. The procedures for practical implementation must be defined in the regional guidelines according to climate, soil type, cultivars and precipitation.

Herbicides can be used only to supplement mechanical and physical weed control methods, as in row application.

Herbicides cannot be used to achieve overall bare soil. They can only be used locally during spring and summer when physical or mechanical control (preferred option) is not appropriate.