Integrated production of wine grapes grown under mild and warm conditions in Australia

Weeds in vineyards are traditionally controlled by cultivation in combination with herbicides. Long-term cultivation and herbicide use can degrade a vineyard as an ecosystem. Integrated production (IP) aims to avoid that and to improve biodiversity, soil fertility and optimal growing conditions. Reduced or zero herbicide use, however, also can lead to an increased sward competition with vines for water and nutrients. This is often seen as beneficial in cool climate areas. We set out to explore how this compares to the hot climate, irrigated viticulture. With this aim three treatments were applied: partially vegetated (a herbicide-treated under-vine area and mowing of mid-row), unvegetated (soil maintained bare with herbicides); and vegetated (no herbicides, mowing only). The effect of these treatments on grape and wine quality, soil health and biodiversity has been studied in two Chardonnay vineyards located in a mild and warm climate areas over three and four years, respectively. Ground cover decreased early-season soil moisture and vine nutrient status, and reduced vine vegetative growth, while yield also became limited. Fruit composition and wine sensory attributes were also affected by treatments. Soil organic carbon (0-2cm) increased under vegetation at both locations and so did the soil bacteria. Beneficial nematodes slightly increased under floor vegetation. Abundance of natural enemies like ladybird and rove beetles, lacewings and wasps increased in vegetated treatments. Plant species biodiversity was affected by treatments, particularly during spring and in mild climate. Vegetated and especially partially vegetated vineyard floor appears to have potential to be environmentally sustainable and should be included in an Australian IP schem