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At its April 15.1999 workshop the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group asked participants to fill out two surveys. The "morning survey" was handed out at the beginning of the workshop and collected shortly after. The "afternoon survey" was handed out after the morning presentations and after the field trip. Here a short summary of the survey results:
The majority of Napa Valley grapegrowers are using cover crops and attendees at the NSWG workshop on
April 15, 1999 plan to increase their acreage in the future. 70% of the growers who filled out the pre-program survey stated that they are using cover crops, including 51% using no-till permanent covers and 49% using green manure covers. Blando Brome, Zorro Fescue , barley and red fescue were the top grasses and crimson, rose and sub clovers were the top legumes. Most growers find that they can successfully grow a healthy cover crop within their vineyard. Competition for soil moisture is the biggest challenge faced by the respondents. 35% reported planting trees outside the vineyard for biodiversity. Grape leafhoppers were reported as the most common pest of vineyards with mites close behind. Cover crops and other vegetation were not seen as a viable method for controlling pests.
After hearing speakers discuss "other plants in the vineyard", 70% of those responding to the post-workshop survey stated that they are now going to try new cover crops and other vegetation. 60% stated that learning about proper cover crop practices helped resolve their concerns about cover crop use. The percent of respondents who thought that cover crops and other vegetation help control vineyard pests doubled after the day long seminar and field trip. Finally, growers found the proceeding useful as 75% plan to attend future NSWG workshops.
(written by Zach Berkowitz)
"The Other Plants in your Vineyard"
4.15.99
Survey Results
Morning Survey
Are you currently using cover crops? If so, what percent of your vineyard acreage is in cover crops?
70% of the people who filled out the questionnaire use cover crops
8% farm between 0-49 acres with cover crops
30% farm between 50-99 acres with cover crops
32% farm over 100 acres with cover crops
Acres of no-till or permanent cover crop?
51.4% farm no-till/permanent cover crop
24% farm between 0-49 acres with permanent cover crop
13.5% farm between 40-99 acres with permanent cover crop
13.5% farm over 100 acres with permanent cover crop
Acres of green manure cover crop?
48.6% grow green manure cover crops
10.8% grow between 0-49 acres
13.5% grow between 50-99 acres
18.9% grow over 100 acres
Native Grasses
oats 30%
barley 16%
annual rye grass 8%
rye grass 3%
resident 3%
Legumes
vetch 32%
winter peas 27%
bell beans 24%
clovers 24%
resident 3%
How would you describe your success in using cover crops?
29.7% very successful
43% somewhat successful
0% lack of success
What have been the benefits of using cover crops?
62% prevention of soil erosion
57% soil fertility/soil health
35% biodiversity/promoting natural enemies
51% access to vineyard
10.8% expense compared to traditional cultivation
What do you see as disadvantages?
43% competition for soil moisture
21.6% competition for soil nutrients
10.8% notable decline of vine capacity
37.8% expense
Are you doing any planting or revegetation outside the vineyard?
35% trees
21.6% shrubs and brushes
24% native grasses or resident vegetation
16% hedgerows
Besides using cover crops, are you planting any other plants to act as hosts for beneficial insects? If so, please list
Apples and pears to give flavors to grapes
Encouragement of existing hedgerows
Few fruit trees
Pierces Disease barrier hedgerows
Wild flower mixes
Trees
What are your major insect pests?
40.5% grape leafhoppers
35% spider mites
57% blue green sharpshooters (Pierce's Disease)
5.4% other
other: 5% gophers
none, we are totally organic and everything is pretty well under control
Does the use of cover crops and other vegetation help control vineyard pests?
27% yes
10.8% leaning towards yes
5.4% yes/no
0% leaning towards no
8% no
21.6% don´t know
other: we believe permanent cover crop increases the risk of Pierce´s Disease
Afternoon Survey
After today´s workshop
70% are more inclined to use cover crops
0% are less inclined to use cover crops
30% are unchanged in their decision to use cover crops
After today´s workshop
70% are more inclined to experiment with non-vineyard vegetation
10% less inclined to experiment with non-vineyard vegetation
20% unchanged in their decision to experiment with non-vineyard vegetation
After today´s workshop
65% are more inclined to use vegetation for the control of vineyard pests
5% are less inclined to use vegetation for the control of vineyard pests
30% are unchanged in their decision to use vegetation for the control of vineyard pests
If you had concerns about using cover crops, has this workshop helped you reslove those concerns?
60% yes
5% no
20% not certain
Do the benefits of cover crops outweigh the costs?
65% yes
0% no
30% not certain
Do you believe the use of cover crops and other vegetation helps control vineyard pests?
50% yes
30% leaning towards yes
0% yes/no
10% leaning towards no
0% no
0% don´t know
If a Napa Valley BIFS project (Biologically Integrated Farming System) was proposed
20% would contribute time and /or their vineyard as a cooperator
50% would be interested in following the progress of the project
20% would need to hear more information about BIFS
Do you plan to attend the next NSWG workshop?
75% said definitely, you could even charge more money
20% have to check their busy social calendar
(Survey designed by Zach Berkowitz & Astrid Bock-Foster)
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