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Carcassonne - Field Demonstration |
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Since autumn 2001, an area spanning eight complete vine rows and 45m in length, has been used for the demonstration of two soil management techniques and their effect on soil and runoff losses. Three consecutive inter-rows are being subjected to conventional soil management practices, and three are being subjected to an alternative – a permanent cover of carefully selected grass species (60% smooth meadow grass, 30% creeping red fescue and 10% English rye grass, sold commercially as Viver PP60); managed using a combination of mechanical mowing and chemical desiccation. A grassed inter-row has been instated as a buffer between the two treatments. |
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The central inter-row of each treatment is hydraulically isolated at the top by the retaining wall and at the sides by the ridges on which the vines sit. At the bottom, a funnel is used to transfer the sediment and runoff leaving the plot to a collection system where it can be quantified. Sampling is carried out manually and does not take place after every rainfall event but field conditions experienced during each sampling period are recorded using an automatic weather station. |
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As monitoring has been taking place since the point of treatment installation, it has been possible to identify areas which require further improvement and timescales over which individual benefits can be seen. |
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In response to the EU water framework directive, the French government has suddenly increased its level of interest in the effect of agricultural practices on water quality. In response to this, a separate sampling programme was initiated in 2005 to monitor treatment effect on pesticide runoff. All pesticide applications are now being recorded and water samples are being analysed for these products after each runoff event. |
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A number of herbicides are being assessed on their ability to temporarily inhibit growth of the grass cover during the spring, whilst maintaining a good level of protective cover for the soil. This work is being carried out on land which is adjacent to the main trials and it is being supplemented by a series of laboratory experiments. |
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Links to some useful images... |
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Ceri Llewellyn (NSRI) |
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