Before implementing preventive measures against potential damage from flooding and/or heavy rain, the characteristics of the plot must be taken into account, in particular the slope, the topography and the immediate surroundings. When floods or heavy rain have occurred repeatedly in the past, it may be advisable to implement preventive measures.
Flooding on a plot on low ground at Château Latour
When the floods are exceptional and very occasional, it is unnecessary to set up a system. Some low-lying plots at Château Latour flood in certain years with high rainfall. This often only lasts a few hours.
Drainage systems can be a long-term solution to persistent flooding and waterlogging within a plot. While all plots can benefit from drain installation, hydromorphic plots are most likely to benefit. Drains allow partial control and reduce prolonged periods with excess water. They form a network and are buried around a foot and a half below the surface. This makes it easier for the soil to absorb water.
Their installation allows partial control of water removal, however, depending on the situation, it is possible that during heavy flooding, drains may not be sufficient to handle the excess water.
It is possible to put a set of practices in place when the vines are planted that allow a sustainable reduction of erosion and water accumulation:
Creating breaks in the slopes reduces erosion and runoff by diverting the gravitational direction of the water. This can be accomplished by building low walls on steep slopes. The creation of terraces is also a possible measure to prevent erosion.
Avoiding a clear delimitation between the line of the vine trunks and the grass strip that can create gullies that will become preferential paths for water to run off and will increase erosion. Alternating cultivation methods and grass cover can be a solution.
Grassing of headlands: in addition to promoting biodiversity, grassing of headlands and the edges of plots reduces the difference in levels at the plot's entrance as well as any major soil movements and the formation of a stream around the plot's edges. Planting hedges can also help to reduce erosion.