In the Vineyard - November 2006
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Tuesday, 21 November 2006 |
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A new tractor with an enclosed cabin is on the way, making it easier to get up at dawn to do the spraying. An old timer down the road said that when he got his first cabin tractor a few years ago he got a hard time down at the pub from his mates – getting soft. It was only a matter of months later that he noticed them getting around in one too! Final consensus was they’d never go back to an open cabin. Mulching trials continue, with sourcing affordable material (transport costs) and sourcing suitable spreading equipment (200-300 cubic metres per ha) being the real challenges. The Riesling block is the focus at the moment. Two years ago we applied mushroom compost and straw to the shiraz block with fabulous results – much improved growth and soil biodiversity in what is a rocky, dry block. Add to this a reported 25-30% reduction in water usage and its got to be a worthwhile thing to do. We also are continuing to trial midrow crops to improve soil structure and provide some green manure. However, the continuing lack of solid rain means there is no point sowing our preferred crop – a specific ryegrass and fescue blend. We’ll try again in autumn.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 14 November 2008 )
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