Grafted Vines - planting by the latest technology laser-guided machine
We can arrange planting of larger vineyards, 4000+ vines according to location.
The very latest type of machine, with new technology; faster, so it will reduce the cost of planting. Its narrower ploughshare makes it possible to plant in heavier ground where plantation with machine was previously not possible. Our machine with an experienced team, guarantees precise work and a homogeneous and fast growth of young vines.
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To make an enquiry: please e-mail Derek@winegrowers.info with your address and soil details.
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Here are some simple notes on the procedure involved:-
1. Soil preparation: normally this begins in the winter by spraying with
Glyphosate to kill the grass roots. This is followed by deep ploughing
(8 to 9 inches), leaving enough time for the up-turned
grass to break down before the soil is thoroughly rotavated in April.
Just before planting it is essential that the
field is completely even (i.e. not ridged) and that there are no
grass clumps in the soil.
2. Prior to planting the vine roots should ideally be cut to a length of about
12cm, using sharp pruners. Some say this is not absolutely necessary, but freshly cut
roots are beneficial for early root developement. The roots should be kept moist
and stood in water for 24 hours before planting.
More detailed information
on preparation.
Almost all of the vines I supply are already top-pruned and double-waxed,
and have the roots cut to about 15 cms.
3. The vines are then planted by the machine, which can plant
around 10,000 per day. This cuts a slot through the soil, places/inserts
each vine at the exact distance from the previous, and finally
pushes/firms the soil back around the vines.
If the slope is steep then planting has to be from the top of the field to the bottom.
Normally (when it is dry) they then reverse the tractor from the bottom to the top of the hill.
If
it is very wet they have to drive around the vineyard and start again from
the top.
For
this reason there needs to be enough headland/space around the vineyard
edge to move the tractor.
4. Very soon after planting the black-plastic mulch should be laid over the rows of
vines.
The mulch layer fits on the 3-point lineage of a tractor, it does not use
the pto.
A typical hire price is £15 + vat per day, minimum charge £50 + vat,
plus all carriage to and fro.
About 3000m laid per day seems about average.
5. Then the galvanised-steel or bamboo canes are pushed into the soil close to each vine.
6. Rabbit guard nets are then placed over each vine/cane and the bottom secured.
7. Later the trellis should be installed, with at least the main training wire, which the canes are then clipped to; special clips are available for this.