In wine production, adapting to local conditions is paramount. Many wine producers adhere to the principle of never leaving the land bare, advocating minimal ploughing, and always preserving the weeds/cover crops in the vineyard. However, what may be suitable in a region blessed with abundant rainfall may not be as effective in a dry Mediterranean climate, highlighting the necessity of adapting to local conditions.
Several agricultural institutions in Languedoc (Chambre d’Agriculture de l’Hérault and Institut Agro Montpellier and others) are now calling on growers in the region to be aware of the problems that can arise with permanent green cover in the vineyard. The competition between the grass/weed and the vine for water and nitrogen can lead to reduced crop yields. This applies above all if it does not rain enough during autumn and winter. Vineyards that do not have access to irrigation, have shallow topsoil and have already lost plant vigour from the previous year are extra vulnerable.
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