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2.1.2.a Vine shoot management

Shredding on site

A shredder can be mounted on a tractor to shred cuttings directly and incorporate them back into the soil. This method keeps these woody compounds in the plot where they will be broken down by microorganisms. When cuttings are burnt or used in some other way, the loss must be compensated by an addition of organic matter during fertilization.
The main advantages of this method are that it is easy to set up and fast.

Cuttings shredded on the plot at Château Latour

Conversion to compost

The vine cuttings can be collected, shredded and composted on site. This compost can be supplemented with other plant debris and/or manure to enrich it, and then used for fertilization the following year. The high temperatures reached when compost decomposes are usually sufficient to break down any fungal diseases.

Bundles of vine cuttings at Château Latour (Credit: P. Faigenbaum)

Burning

Burning is the traditional method for managing vine cuttings, and remains an easy, inexpensive way of disposing of them. However, it represents a loss as this material can stimulate soil life or be reused as a source of energy. This technique is prohibited in some appellations.

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