Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Reducing pesticide use in Iowa vineyards: Alternatives to herbicides for vineyard weed management

Project ID: E2008-18

Abstract

Mulches can play a role in vineyard management. This project explored the optimum uses and practices for applying various mulches to grape agroecosystems.

Key Question: What are viable strategies for Iowa grape growers to successfully manage weeds and/or reduce pesticide usage while maintaining grape productivity and soil quality?

Findings: Knowledge of optimal ways for achieving weed management in Iowa vineyards will enable growers to sustainably manage this unique agroecosystem. Methods of weed control that jeopardize soil quality and grapevine productivity can be avoided. Sustainable weed management that includes living or soil mulches minimizes some of the environmental risks of pesticide usage and maintains soil quality and grape productivity. The long-term success of Iowa's grape and wine industry promotes increased diversification of Iowa's farming enterprises that strengthens the state's economy.

Lead investigator: Gail Nonnecke, ISU Horticulture

Co-Investigator(s):

Lisa Wasko DeVetter, ISU Horticulture and Agronomy; Thomas Loynachan, ISU Agronomy; Paul Domoto, ISU Horticulture

Year of grant completion: 2011

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Grapes, wine and viticulture, Weed control alternatives (not GMOs)