Broad leaf control, root pruning and compost program

Broadleaf Control
For three consecutive years I've sprayed 2,4-D @1 qt/a plus Strike Three @ 1 qt/a, in the fall, anytime after at least 2 hard frosts (temperature 25 degrees F or less), usually between November 1 and Thanksgiving. I then give it a rest for two years. Strike Three takes out clover, dock, plantain, etc. In addition to broadleaf control for disease suppression reasons, I've seen less deer in the spring and early summer months since eliminating clover from the vineyard floor.

Root Pruning
To tame over vigorous vines I tried root pruning the last three years experimentally on 2 rows of Chardonnay and 2 rows of Pinot Noir, in November and again at bloom. The canopy is slightly less dense and the crop measurably increased but not significantly enough to justify the practice. Root pruning brings rocks in our vineyard to the surface, frequently breaks shear pins, dulls mower blades and therefore impractical on any scale. I concluded the better methods to control excessive vigor are:
1. Converted VSP to vertically divided canopy (Smart-Dyson and Scott Henry).
2. Spur prune for the next few years and crop heavier.

Compost
I inadvertently created excessive vigor by applying too much compost, 1997 through 1999, approximately 66 tons/A in three consecutive years to cover the graft union on three year old vinifera for low temperature winter time protection. The vines had deep green color, oversized leaves, a dense canopy and bull canes everywhere. Production on VSP trellis went into a downtrend. 2004 is second year of divided canopy and production is now in an uptrend and vine/crop coming into balance. If low production (or low vigor) is a problem, compost is the easiest, safest and environmentally best solution.

Dr. Halbrendt's ground cover/weed control -Electing not to use pre-emergent herbicides, weed control for divided canopies is a serious problem. More investigation is necessary but the trials show promising possibilities

General
Our philosophy on nurturing and training is to spank the unruly vine, not whip it into total submission to our will or into picture perfect form. We don't have perfectly vertical canes or an exact 60/40 split. Nothing about our vineyard is showplace perfect, yet the results are above average. I believe the reason is a favorable micro-climate.