herbicide-free case studies

- CASE STUDY IV -

DOMINUS ESTATE

Vineyard area:

103 acres

Site Characteristics:

Gravelly clay loam soils (slope 3-10%)

Tools/Equipment used:


Tractors: John Deere, Kubota, Solectrac
Boisselet: Inter-vine mowers
Boisselet: Weed knives
Perfect: Flail shredder
Gearmore: Rotary mower
Shovels

Passes:

1 pass to shred pruning shoots + 2-3 passes to mow

Organic Herbicides?

No

GRAZING?

Yes, work with Kaos

Tillage?

We stopped tilling this year (2023) and do not plan on tilling next year

Weeds of concern?

We control the propagation of Dwarf mallow (Malva neglecta) and Morning Glory by hoeing with shovel

Aesthetics?

Vineyards can stay very tidy if cover crops are mowed or crimped and weeds controlled with handwork. Cover crops with native flowers have added aesthetic value and help reduce dust, cool ambient air temperature during summer, increase air humidity, increase life soil biology, and increase biodiversity.

Certification(s):

Napa Green Vineyard
Napa Green Winery
CCOF
Fish Friendly Farming

COSTs 2023:

Annual farming costs/acre: $37,439 per producing acre

Weed Management Costs:
Mowing with tractors (in-row + intervine): $167/acre*
Manual weed management: $294 per acre*

*Doesn’t include employee benefits cost