The use of sheep grazing in vineyards
is an effective method for the management of cover crops, pest
plants, weeds and soil. As an alternative to mowing and application
of herbicides, sheep can be introduced into the rows between
vines, effectively avoiding the vines , grapes, leaves and
irrigation. This reduces or eliminates the need for herbicides and
chemical fertilizers and can be the most cost efficient way to
treat vegetation, as grazing both controls vegetation and inhibits
the viability of invasive weeds.
Certain
breeds and varieties of sheep will naturally avoid vines in
favor of more palatable vegetation in and around the vine. Sheep can also be conditioned / trained to avoid plants altogether. Additional benefits of sheep grazing include fertilization,
pest reduction, and improving soil structure, permeability
and soil viability.
Video Explaination from UC Extension
No Till System |
