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Low Investment, High Return © 1997, 1998 Streamline Publications
In Ventura
County, biological integrated pest management (IPM) has been used since the
mid-1920's by the Fillmore Citrus Protective District to great success. Study
by the University of California of IPM goes back to the turn of the century.
Definitive Study Research in 1990
and 1991 by University of California, Davis, scientists found that cover crops,
increasingly being used in California vineyards, have far-reaching and
beneficial effects. Among them are prevention of soil erosion, nitrogen
addition, soil structure improvement, enhanced trafficability during wet
weather, weed suppression and creating a habitat for beneficial arthropods.
Covercropping sounds like a magic bullet, especially when you
consider that it reduces the grower's work load, fuel use, and the necessity
for pesticides. All these benefits and savings too! The Davis
scientists tested thirty-two cover crops in an organic Chardon-nay vineyard in
Mendocino County for height, above-ground biomass, percentage of vegetation
cover, stand uniformity and weed cover and total biomass. Many showed specific characteristics that would recommend their uses
in various applications. Whether for erosion control in hilly areas or moisture
management in low areas, there is a cover crop right for the task.
Beauty and the Buck Combining
wildflowers and flowering legumes with cover crops is an idea that pays off in
improved aesthetics as well as nitrification of the soil. For winemakers
depending on tourist trade this is an extra benefit and a profitable marketing
device.The insectory benefits of cover cropping became apparent
in the Davis studies. Diverse cover crops welcome beneficial insects (that
attack destructive pests) and offer an alternative habitat so vines are not the
only place for the insects to get a meal. Vineyards and orchards with cleanly
disced medians between rows have nothing for insects to eat so your cash crop
is the only item on the menu at Chez Bug Restaurant. Seasonal
discing, chiseling, pre-leveling, leveling, rock picking and other labor
intensive processes are no longer necessary. Pruning debris can be left in the
rows and chopped to speed breakdown. Cover crops will reseed themselves. Mowing
or chopping to distribute the seed is all that's needed. And as the biomass of
living and composting materials increases, the mud that used to come with each
rain is no longer a concern. The matrix that builds up eliminates soil
compaction and allows vehicles to be used between the rows even in the wettest
weather.
New Product is a Beauty Paul Albright of
the Albright Seed Company has introduced a new weapon in the orchard and
vineyard bug wars that will beautify the battleground while hosting the
predatory insects. Insecta-Flora is a
specialized mix that contains arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus),
yarrow (Achillea millefolium), alyssum (Lobularia maritimum),
bachelor buttons (Centaurea cyanus) and nine other brilliant wildflower
varieties. Insecta-Flora
creates a natural insectory that attracts and supports the beneficials and
provides an alternate target for crop destroyers, drawing them into an insect
ambush.This new product is available in pound-and-a-quarter bags
that will cover 5,000 square feet. Larger quantities can be special ordered.
But Albright doesn't stop with Insecta-Flora . Paul will create
site-specific custom blends to meet any cover crop need to help you recruit an
insect army.
Wise Counsel Available Selecting the
right cover crop for your application is not a simple task. For results that
optimize the payoff, a careful analysis of your agricultural product, soil
type, climate, and field configuration is necessary. That's where Albright
Seed Company can help. The Albright consultants are experienced in
cover crop selection and analysis of your needs and they can guide you through
the process of selection and planning, planting and cultivation. And they are a
free phone call away. Albright —for the newest twist in an ancient
art.
Insecta-FloraA Wildflower seed mix, beneficial insect attractant and alternative food source. Use for chemical-free biological control of crop-destroying insects with the beauty of spring wildflowers. Call (805) 684-0436 to order or order online. |
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