Weeds

A weed is defined as a plant out of place. Although vine-growers have traditionally regarded a weedy vineyard as a sign of poor management, attitudes changed in the late 20th century and the sight of a ‘weedy’ vineyard is now commonplace. Weeds, now referred to as volunteer cover crops, are considered environmentally desirable as part of the vineyard ecosystem. Alternatively, some vineyards are frequently ploughed to keep them free of weeds, to the detriment of soil structure. herbicides are used, perhaps in combination with less frequent cultivation.