Researchers at Michigan State University are collaborating with 2 Lads Winery on a new study to test alternative row middle management options in vineyards.
The study will test different cover crops for their ability to add nutrients to the soil and attract beneficial insects. By doing this, they hope to reduce the amount of fertilizer and pesticide applications in vineyards, while still producing high-quality grapes.
Ultimately, we are trying to make grape production more sustainable, both environmentally and economically. The standard practice is to have a sod row middle and apply nutrients on an annual basis. We hope to determine which cover crops are the most beneficial for growers in order to save money and reduce the environmental footprint of grape production.
The research is being conducted at 2 Lads Winery on the Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse County.
"This project is a good fit for our winery because we are interested in sustainable agriculture, improving soil quality and vine health," said Cornel Olivier, owner and winemaker at 2 Lads. "We are interested in the use of natural controls of insects and diseases, and reducing the amount of pesticides being applied in the vineyard."
"We are really excited to have progressive and enthusiastic cooperators who are interested in developing sustainable systems in northwest Michigan," said Nikki Rothwell, coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station. "We hope to take the results from this farm and apply it to other vineyards and fruit crops in the region."
This project is being funded by Sustainable Ag 2009: Developing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, a special research grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service. It's administered by the CS Mott Group at Michigan State University.
Paul Jenkins is the small fruit coordinator for Michigan State University.
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