Weingut Bründlmayer

It is this period between spring and summer when the plants need the most energy. The welcome rainfall in mid-May stimulated vegetative growth and provided a brief respite. Early summer has returned over the past week. Our vineyards are finding this renewed dry, hot spell a strain, exacerbated by competition from the tall ground cover. We are responding promptly and effectively by rolling the ground cover between the rows of vines rather than mowing it. This knocks the grasses and legumes flat, forming a protective layer that shields the soil from drying out. The resources released (i.e.by the nitrogen-fixing bacteria at the roots of the plants) help to alleviate the stress on the vines, just as the soil moisture does. The flattened grass has already flowered and bears seeds that will dry out, fall to the ground and, in due course, may contribute to new vegetation growth.