2.2.3.c What types of mulching are availible and best-suited to the circumstances?

What type of mulches are adapted for use over the entire plot?

• RCW (Ramial Chipped Wood) is a mulch used on the soil's surface which is made from crushed and shredded young shoots (branches and twigs). Ideally, the diameter of the young shoots should not exceed 7-8 cm to ensure a better humification once mulched. It is best to avoid RCWs that contain wood from resinous trees (pine bark, spruce) as they contribute to soil acidification.

What living mulch is suitable for use under the row?

Pilosella and subterranean clover are highly suitable cover crops for planting under the row. Indeed, subterranean clover can be planted anywhere. Their low and creeping growth pattern covers the soil and actively prevents weeds from growing. Plant covers of this type are not particularly competitive and dry out at the beginning of the summer to form a cover on the soil, limiting water competition with the vine. However, it is important to avoid mowing them so growth restarts the following year without needing to sow seeds.
Some plants such as pilosella are said to have allelopathic properties that supposedly mitigate the propagation of quack grass and bindweed. However, it is not recommended for inter-row weed control. Indeed, it is a rather fragile plant and the repeated passage of tractors could quickly destroy it if it is planted between the rows.

Other species are also being researched. The two major constraints are setting-up costs and potential competition with the vines.

What living mulch is suitable for use between rows?

Some leguminous plants such as fava beans are more suited to planting between the rows. They are more resistant to farm machinery and compete too strongly with the vine to be planted under the row. Moreover, given their height and the need to sheathe them, they cannot not be planted elsewhere.