2.2.2.a Tillage overview

Tillage, or ploughing, consists in turning over or hoeing the soil to varying degrees of depth depending on requirements and production objectives. It is a mechanical action that can partially or completely destroy weeds present between the rows or under the rows of a given plot for example. It also helps decompact the soil, improve its structure, encourages deep root development and contributes to the integration of manures and other soil-enriching agents.

Tilling is quite time consuming and expensive. In some cases, it can increase the risk of erosion and soil compaction. When the soil is left bare, the turning over of the lower superficial layers can lead to the formation of hardpan due to the weight of the plough, and for organic matter to break down as it comes into contact with the air. The machinery can also damage the vines, which can lead to an increased need for replacement replanting. It is not always easy to drive tractors between the rows when tilling, particularly on plots with high clay content after heavy rainfall. In such situations, the risk of soil compaction is even greater.

Horses or tractors?

Winegrowers have the choice of motorized agricultural machinery or using horses or oxen to pull the plough, or a combination of the two.

Tractors: There are some very efficient machines on the market that are suitable for all types of soil tillage. The wide range of equipment means that the winegrower can choose the machine for their vineyard and desired tillage method. On the other hand, agricultural machinery is often very heavy and therefore compacts the soil. Unlike horses, tractors can be used intensively for extended periods, and can work more quickly. Advances in technology have even enabled the introduction of autonomous robots that can till the soil.

Horse-drawn ploughing has various advantages. Firstly, horses are lighter than tractors and so do not compact the soil so much. Secondly, horses do not require fossil fuels and emit less carbon dioxide. However, this practice requires substantial physical effort and the horse's needs and abilities must be respected. This is particularly true during hot weather for example, when working hours need to be adapted. Animals require specific logistics (equipment, housing, food, etc.) as well as veterinary care, which can represent a significant cost.

Horse-drawn ploughing at Château Latour

Soil characteristics to take into consideration

What is the impact of granulometry on how quickly the soil dries out and its susceptibility to smoothing and erosion?

The soil type and its granulometric characteristics need to be taken into account when deciding when to carry out ploughing. This is due to the impact of soil texture on drying/draining speed and the soil's susceptibility to smoothing, erosion or leaching. Repeated tillage, especially when the conditions are too wet, can cause water and air to be expelled under the weight of the machines, leading to the smoothing and compaction of the soil. This ultimately restricts water movement and root penetration.
When the soil is rich in clay, water will be retained more easily and for longer, and it will therefore dry out more slowly than sandy soil whose structure facilitates drainage. The same applies to its susceptibility to smoothing and erosion. The table below shows the general characteristics of each soil type:

Soil with a dominant	Drainage speed	Smoothing vulnerability	Erosion and run-off vulnerability	Operating window
Clay	-	++	-	Intervene last in spring for plots prone to frost, as well as after harvest
Silt	+/-	+	+++	Intervene as soon as have dried out in the spring, without delaying.
Sand	+	-	+	Without restriction

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