Hi Roger Is this a study that one can read some where ?? Why mulch/straw ratter than wood chips ??
Companion planting with grapes any info?? Thanks Per Garp/NH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roger Pye" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, October 13, 2002 07:48 AM Subject: Re: grasses > COYOTEHILLFARM wrote: > > >Hallo > > > >Can you recommend lowgrowing grasses or other plants to improve the grapes > >growing ability to produce ? > > > >Per Garp/NH > > > Grasses, no; mulch, yes. A study conducted in 1997/8 in Victoria and > South Australia found that the use of straw-type (as opposed to > woodchip) mulch in vineyards reduced watering by up to 40%, increased > stem thickness and overall plant health, produced bigger and juicier > fruit and increased their harvest by 30%. Mulch was tried out at > thicknesses of 10mm (half an inch) through to 150mm (6 inches). The > trial established an optimum thickness of 50 to 75mm according to > conditions; mulch laid at a thickness of over 75mm did more harm than > good. The increased yield was not due to there being more grapes on the > vines but to reduced loss of fruit during the growing season. > > roger > > >
