2.2.2.c How should tilling be organized?

Tillage should be adapted to the nature of the vineyard, so the chosen method will vary depending on row width and grass cover (totally grassed, partially grassed or ungrassed, sown or spontaneous). While tillage and weed management are highly dependent on weather conditions, it is still possible to establish an order of passage and a plot order.

An order of priority can be determined based on the plots' intrinsic characteristics, such as the type and texture of the soil. It is advisable to keep a closer eye on heavy clay or silty plots, tilling them when the weather is suitable and the soil has sufficiently dried out, since access to these plots is likely to be reduced. If soil that has not dried out is ploughed too quickly, it can have serious consequences, such as asphyxiation and compaction.
Plots with predominantly sandy soil are easier to till because they retain much less water and have better drainage. These plots can therefore be ploughed last or when it is not possible to till clay plots. The idea is not to miss the window of opportunity for plots for which access is limited.

Tilling narrow rows

Here is an example of a tillage schedule for a typical vintage:

At the end of the harvest, hilling-up of the vines for winter. Very shallow tilling is also recommended.
Then de-hilling when the next growth cycle begins, ideally before budburst to reduce the risks from frosts.
Throughout the growth cycle, repeat the following actions: shallow tilling/levelling then hilling, regrowth, de-hilling, regrowth, shallow tilling/levelling followed by hilling and so on.
A final de-hilling and levelling may be necessary before harvest for better accessibility.
If maximum grass cover between rows is desired, the grass can just be mowed short instead of harrowed. In this case, tools can be combined on the de-hilling machines which loosen the soil and deposit it close to the row. In this case, mowing replaces shallow tilling.

Tilling wide rows

Tillage principles are similar for wider rows, with some differences. The greater width between the rows means the winegrower can complete the hilling/de-hilling on a furrow and therefore maintain permanent grass cover on the inter-row. Steps 1 and 2 are the same as for narrow rows. Step 3 is different, as only the soil directly beneath the vines is hilled/de-hilled depending on the cover crop growth rate. In this case, the soil is not tilled during the growth period, but mowed regularly, again depending on the growth rate. Step 4 can be the same if the winegrower wants to till the soil to renew the grass cover. Otherwise, mowing may be sufficient.

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