4. Approaches to Grape Growing - Flashcards
1
Q
Define sequestering carbon
A
“To sequester carbon” means to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and then storing it in a underground
2
Q
Define agroecosystem
A
ecosystems that have been modified for agriculture
3
Q
What is tilling?
A
is the use of agricultural machinery (tilling tool) to break up and aerate the soil in the spaces between rows of grapevines, to manage weeds, improve soil structure, and facilitate better root growth for the vines.
4
Q
what is Nitrous oxide
A
Nitrous oxide is a bi product of livestock waste. formed in Anaerobic conditions which occur where manure is stored in large piles (as a result of large numbers of animals in a confined area).
5
Q
describe the process of carbon sequestering
A
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and then store it in roots
6
Q
what are agrochemicals
A
A broad term encompassing all chemicals used in agriculture for various purposes, including pest control, weed control, and nutrient supplementation.
7
Q
What is Hardpan Soil
A
dense, impermeable layer of soil, often found below the topsoil, that restricts water drainage and root penetration, potentially impacting plant growth and soil health
8
Q
What are Synthetic agrochemicals
A
are those that are manufactured in a laboratory rather than being naturally occurring.
9
Q
What are Natural agrochemicals
A
are derived from natural sources, such as plants, microorganisms, or minerals.
10
Q
What is decomposition
A
Microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, break down this organic matter during a process called decomposition
11
Q
what is the difference between ecosystem and biodiversity
A
In the context of vineyards, biodiversity refers to the variety of life within the vineyard ecosystem, encompassing plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
Ecosystems, on the other hand, are broader concepts that include the interactions between all living things (flora and fauna) and their non-living environment within a specific area (ei. soil, weather, landscape)
12
Q
What is biodiversity
A
Biodiversity or ‘biological diversity’ generally refers to the variety of all living things.
13
Q
Give three examples of famous biodynamic producers
A
Examples of Biodynamic Producers;
- Burgundy: Domaine de la Romanee Conti
- Nicolas Joly - Liore Valley
- Zind Humbrecht - Alsace
14
Q
What are the key objectives for Conventional Viticulture?
A
- maximizing crop yields
- minimizing costs (reducing labour).
15
Q
What are the key strategies for Conventional Viticulture?
A
- Key strategies;
- Mechanization
- chemical inputs
- clonal selection
- irrigation
16
Q
How does soil erosion negatively affect water uptake of vines
A
- result of loss of top soil layer (ei. reducing soil depth)
- less water-holding capacity (through volume)
- can lead to soil compaction; soil has denser structure, reduced capacity to retain water, more surface run off
17
Q
Give an regional example of negative impacts of monoculture
A
Over farming Glera grapes in Italy results in significant soil loss, every 1 bottle of prosecco = loss of 5kg of soil
18
Q
List the Disadvantages of Monoculture
A
- plants are more susceptible to diseases and pests (leading to increase in treatments)
- lack of biodiversity, no surrounding plants than can naturally repel pests
*depletes soil nutrients
*Residual chemicals from treatments can contaminate groundwater
*issues from erosion as a result of; - The single root system not adequate for maintaining soil structure (leading to erosion)
- lack of ground cover plants (leading to erosion)
- compaction from machinery
- economic risks if something goes wrong
19
Q
What percentage of the world’s vines are biodynamic or organic
A
4.5%
20
Q
What are the key difference between viticulture and agriculture
A
- Viticulture is a branch of Agriculture focuses specifically on grape cultivation
- Agriculture often involves crop rotations
- agriculture land may be left fallow to recover from intensive farming
21
Q
What are the advantage of Monoculture
A
- Allows for mechanisation & reduced labour costs
- large areas can be harvested quickly;
- Machines can operate 24/7, including at night
- Enables the grower to focus on needs of the grape variety
- Less machines are required to facilitate different crops (less cost)
- Reduction of competition from other plants (ei. water & nutrients)
22
Q
what does lutte raisonnée translate to
A
“the reasoned fight”
23
Q
What are the aims Sustainability in Grape growing
A
- promote vineyard ecosystems.
- maintaining biodiversity
- minimizing energy
- manage waste effectively (ei. lignified wood from pruning put back into vineyard instead of burning)
- minimize chemical applications
- strengthen vines defenses
24
Q
What are the strategies of sustainability
A
- understand vine lifecycles and vineyard pests.
- Monitoring weather forecasts helps predict & prevent pest and disease outbreaks.
- Timing of pesticide applications is crucial for effectiveness
25
- IPM involves 4 steps;
- IPM involves ;
* setting action thresholds for pest populations,
* identifying and monitoring pests
* setting up preventative measures
* evaluating and implementing control options
26
Example of Integrated Pest Management
Pheromone capsules is a preventative measure against pests used to cause sexual confusion
27
University of California’s IPM department will provide what support or guidance?
- when to look for specific pests
- what signs to look for
- photos pest damage for help with identification
- Guidance on calculating thresholds (when treatment is warranted)
28
Examples of certification organizations for Sustainable Viticulture
LODI RULES
Sustainable Winegrowing NZ
and Sustainable Winegrowing South Africa.
29
What are the Advantages of Sustainable Viticulture
- Considers its impact and is more thoughtful to social, economic and environmental factors
- deployment of a scientific understanding of the threats (pest/disease) to minimise interventions
- Reduces in spraying synthetic and conventional treatments.
- cost savings
30
what is the main differences in thinking organic vs biodynamic
Biodynamic farming emphasizes a spiritual (esoteric) approach, while organic is more practical.
31
who introduced the biodynamic approach to viticulture, and what year
1938* Dr Ehrenfried Pfeiffer
32
What are the main aims of Organic viticulture?
-enhance soil quality and biodiversity in vineyards; microbes & animals such as earthworms
- Promotes the health and disease-resistance of grapevines.
- Rejects synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides.
33
what is biomass in soil
the total quantity or weight of organisms in a given area or volume
34
List the four key strategies of Organic Viticulture
- application of compost
- natural fertilisers
- cover crops
- reduction of monoculture
35
How does natural fertilzers address the aims of organic viticulture
Overall improve soil health/structure & biodiversity;
* attract beneficial life such as bacteria, earthworms, and fungi (soil organisms)
* promote humus formation
* restore the natural balance (nutrient cycling) of the vineyard
* promote deeper root growth
36
What are the 3 most common cover crops
- grasses (like rye or wheat)
- legumes (like clover/peas/veltch)
- brassicas (like mustard or radish)
37
How does cover crops address the aims of organic viticulture
improve soil health/structure & biodiversity;
-They prevent soil erosion by strengthening root systems
- reduce monoculture and promote biodiversity
- ploughing into soil 'green manure' adding nutrients to support soil life
- grown and left to decompose to support soil life
38
How does using compost address the aims of organic viticulture
- better soil health/structure & biodiversity;
- slow/consistent nutrient release for vines
- improving soil structure; Acts like a glue that binds soil particles together (will reduce erosion)
- increased water infiltration (less run off/reduced erosion)
39
What is establishing islands of diversity
creating distinct zones that are managed differently
achieved by planting native species, flower meadows or hedges in mid rows or edges of vineyard
40
What are the advantages of establishing islands of diversity and give example
- natural pest control/reduced pesticides
- provide food and shelter for beneficial insects
- ei. like predatory arthropods (spiders), control grapevine moths
41
what is 'nutrient cycling' in the vineyard
is the natural process of nutrients moving between the soil, plants, and the environment. These nutrients, like nitrogen are absorbed and used by grapevines, released back into the soil through decomposition and or plant residue.
This cycle helps maintain soil health
42
Example of ecosystem mechanism used in organic viticulture
Bacterium 'Bacillus subtilis' helps combat grey rot by outcompeting Botrytis cinerea for space on the grape.
43
Advantages of Organic Farming
- Enhances vine health and disease resistance
- Improves soil health
- Eliminates the use of synthetic chemical sprays
- Reduces costs on synthetic chemicals
44
Disadvantages of Organic Farming
- Small reduction in yield
- Toxicity in soils
- Cost of certification
45
What are the main principles of biodynamic viticulture
inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and Maria Thun.
- It integrates organic farming practices with cosmology and philosophical principles
- The vineyard soil is seen as part of a connected system with the planet Earth, other planets and the air.
-Practitioners adapt their grape growing practices to coincide with the cycles of the planets, moon and stars
46
What was the main theory of Maria Thun
moon's phases affect plant growth
and she developed calendars indicate optimal days for certain grape growing activities (root, leaf, flower, fruit days)
47
List the activities that should be carried out for ascending moon
- promotes growth (gravitational pull energy upwards/pulling up sap)
- ideal for taking cuttings/grafting
- Pruning should be avoided .
48
List the activities that should be carried out for descending moon
- favors root development
- suitable for planting vines or to pruning activities
49
How many days does it take the moon to orbit the Earth
27
50
List the steps for Preparation 500 (horn manure);
- cow manure packed in a cow's horn and buried during the winter
- Then horns are dug up, contents are dynamised
- The preparation is sprayed onto soil
51
List the steps for Preparation 501 (horn silica);
- involves filling a cow's horn with ground quartz (silica) buried for six months
- and then dug up, dynamised
- The preparation is sprayed onto soil
52
definition of homeopathic remedies in biodynamics
preparations of natural substances to enhance the health and vitality of the soil, plants, and animals
preparation process similar to homeopathic medicine, involving dilution and vigorous shaking or stirring
53
How is Preparation 508 (Horsetail) prepared?
silica extracted through tea or fermentation. silica is combined with sulfur
sprayed onto soil or plant
54
What is the benefits of 508 Horsetail
counteracts moon influences by regulates water in the soil
It acts as a natural fungicide against powder and downy mildew
55
List the benefits for Preparation 501 (horn silica);
- Silica aids absorption of energy from light and heat within upper cosmic part of plant ( leave and shoot)
- improved photosynthesis and therefore aids in better ripening of grapes
- more resistance to plant and disease
overall promotion of plant growth and vine stimulation
56
What is the main benefits plants receive from Silica
- plants tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought, flooding, and extreme temperatures.
- by enhancing cell wall strength
- aids light assimilation, promoting better fruitfulness (photosynthetic capabilties)
- improved water management
ei. stomatal function & hydraulic conductance
57
List the 6 starters for compost and their timing of application
Starters include yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian
spread in autumn when the earth breathes in
58
why are Preparations 502–508 to activate compost?
They aid in;
- decomposition of compost
- formation of humus
- plant nutrient availability (in organic form)
- increase the microbial diversity of the soil
59
Give an example of compost preparation, how it is prepared, and its benefits
BD 502 - Yarrow
- stuffed into deer bladder, dried in the sun & buried over winter, extracted and used in compost.
- Aid uptake of nutrients potassium (K) & selenium (Se)
or
BD 503 - Chamomile (C & C)
- stuffed into cow intestine, dried in the sun, buried over winter, extracted and used in compost.
- Stabilises the Nitrogen & Calcium.
BD 505 - Oak Bark
- stuffed in the skull of a farm animal, stored somewhere moist for the winter, added to compost
- increases PH level (or alkalinity) of the soil
- can impart tannins into the wine
- antioxidant component
60
Who is the certification body for biodynamic grape growing, what are the two main steps in certification and provide an example of a producer who is certified
- requires organic certification for a baseline
- then following biodynamic methods for two years including specific farm sprays and compost
- Nicolas joly was certified in 1985, Coulee de Serrant (family esate)
61
How many wineries worldwide (as of 2018) have biodynamic certification
616
62
What is an agroecosystem
A vineyard ecosystems that have been modified for agriculture.
promotes creating functioning ecosystems that naturally meet their needs (self sustaining).
Resulting in a reduced reliance on inputs
63
what is holistic management
Holistic management is a decision-making framework that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations
64
Advantages of Regenerative Farming
Advantages;
* Soils are rehabilitated, decreasing the need for synthetic inputs.
* Carbon is sequestered, helping to fight climate change
* Vineyards become more resilient, limiting the impacts of climate change.
* Biodiversity improves along with animal welfare.
* less exposure to chemical inputs for grape growers welfare
65
Disadvantages of Regenerative Farming
- It’s not legally defined
- time, resources required to work out best approach (plan)
- once established results take time, which can make the transition more difficult and costly.
* limit of inputs mean disease or climate pressure may reduce yields.
* cost for certification
66
What are Rhizodeposits
Rhizodeposits are substances released by plant roots into the surrounding soil and are a major source of carbon and other nutrients in the rhizosphere
67
What is the Rhizosphere
the soil zone directly influenced by plant roots, and play a crucial role in shaping the microbial communities and plant-soil interaction
68
What is ISR (Induced System Resistance)
is a plant defense mechanism where a plant's entire system becomes more resistant to pathogens after being stimulated by beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere,
69
Main strategies to achieve soil health for Regenerative Farming
Limit tiling and irrigation;
Adding compost;
Cover crops;
Natural predators controlling pest
70
How does Mycorrhizal Fungi support plant growth and immunity?
aid plant nutrient absorption (phosphorous, nitrogen & water)
aids chemical signaling in Rhizosphere to activate ISR (Induced System Resistance)
- where plants release chemicals that are toxic to other plants to reduce competition
- warn other plants of herbivore attacks
aids (CMN) Common Mycorrhizal Network which allows plants to shares nutrients and signaling with each other
71
what are benefits of soils with healthy population of earthworms
they produce 40 tonnes per hectare annually of castings which are natural fertilizer for the soil, contributing to soil health
- they enhance drainage through their networks
72
what are the affects of glyphosate
- degrades into amino methyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) which can leach into soil and affect vines ability to function (absorb nutrients & minerals)
- disrupts earthworm ecology and soil microbial life
73
