Are there any special considerations for tearing out an old vineyard and planting a new one?

Studies have shown that replanting grapevines in soil previously planted to grapes tend not to thrive, or they rapidly decline over time. Although many factors have been determined to cause this lack of vigor, it is important to remember that to reduce the likelihood of these problems, growers may need to pull out the existing vines and allow the land to lie fallow - with a cover crop, say, rye or alfalfa - for one, preferably two, years prior to planting. Otherwise, note that posts and wires can be reused in replanted vineyards, and additional preparation can be completed as described in the Site Preparation page.

Steps to Mitigate Replant Issues

• Soil testing. This is a common theme in grape production; for most questions regarding vine health and vigor, extension agents always ask first, "Have you done any soil testing?" Obtaining a complete soil test will enable you to know what amendments the soil needs. Applying soil amendments before a trellis is installed is far easier than trying to find equipment that will fit between rows AND spread the material effectively.
• A local extension educator can provide growers with information on soil testing and recommendations based on test results.
• Herbicide history. Some herbicides - such as 2,4 D, glyphosate, etc. - can have residual activities and negatively affect vines in the year subsequent to their applications.
• Plant a cover crop for 1 to 2 years prior to planting of vineyard. A cover crop can increase soil organic matter and improve nutrient availability to vines.
• Compost. Some studies in plant disease control have demonstrated that composts can have disease-suppression effects in disease-infested soils. Growers may want to consider compost application during replanting of vineyard sites.

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Dr. Jodi Creasap Gee
Viticulture Extension Educator
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program

2019 Growing Season Coffee Pot Meetings

May 1 - July 31, 2019
10:00am

Coffee Pot Meeting

June 19, 2019
10:00am
Fredonia, NY

Come join fellow growers and the LERGP staff in casual conversations over timely vineyard topics.  Bring questions to the table and enjoy a cup of coffee and donut while you are there.

NO COFFEE POT MEETING

June 26, 2019
10:00am

Loaner Sensor Program

The loaner sensor program is an outreach program designed to introduce interested growers to the technology developed by the Efficient Vineyard researchers. It involves a technician from the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program coming out to the farm to install or attach scanners and computers to existing equipment. The subsequent data collection is then completed during normal activity such as pesticide spraying. Once the data is collected it can be sent back to researchers to generate a prescription map. The DualEM soil sensor requires a technician to operate so if you would like to have a soil scan done of your vineyard, please contact the Portland, NY Cornell Extension office and make an appointment.

https://efficientvineyard.com/loaner-sensor-program

LERGP Podcasts- check them out!

http://lergp.com/podcasts/