Ch 6 - Viticultural Practices Flashcards
Why has the use of chemical fertilisers become an issue?
The environmental damage caused by the spraying is a concern to growers, consumers and legislators.
What are the alternatives to chemical spraying?
Sustainable Agriculture;
Organic Agriculture;
Biodynamic Agriculture.
What are the features of Sustainable Agriculture?
Targeted use of spraying chemical to achieve biggest impact rather than a regimented calendar;
Understand lifecycle of pests, monitor weather forecasts - preventative approach
IPM - planting other plants to encourage predators of pests - these can provide nutrients when ploughed and composted. (Biodiversity)
What are the features of Organic agriculture?
Similar to Sustainable approach - Much less use of chemicals permitted;
Must be accredited to state on label;
Must undergo a period of conversion working to organic stds.
Note - not all Organic accreditors use the same standards but have similar principles
What are the features of Biodynamic agriculture?
Organic practices with philosophy and cosmology influences;
Grape growing practices coincide with cycles of the planets, moon and stars;
Homeopathic remedies used to fertilise the soil and ward off pests.
