In this month of October 2026, while the grapevine leaves have not yet fallen, my brother and I proceeded to scarify the plot. The purpose of this mechanical operation is to pull up weeds, and in particular “couch grass“.
This weed is particularly harmful to the growth of the grapevine because during periods of intense heat, it competes with the vine to the detriment of the latter. Couch grass also develops in the form of rhizomes to spread everywhere at ground level.
We made two passes in opposite directions in each row using the straddle tractor equipped with tines between each wheel. The soil was quite dry, but since it had already been worked several times, the traction resistance was low.
This tining operation, which I sometimes also have done with a horse, will need to be repeated in May, June, and July of next year. Because that is the time when the vineyard needs to be as clean as possible without any weeds: a real challenge!