Naturally, weeds are a problem for viticulturists. If  the weeds become too established they can cause serious problems. They compete with the vine for nutrients and water and can also transmit diseases. Control is especially needed in young vines which are more sensitive to such competition.

51KB	The favourite place for weeds to grow is, of course, beside the new vine. Because of the sensitivity of the growing new vine we cannot use machines to remove the weeds.
45KB	The best way of getting rid of weeds, since Roman times, has been to use a mattock.
52KB	This work needs no statement.
53KB	The quality of the work is easy to see.
57KB	After this work has finished we move the soil back underneath the young vines with the tractor. This is important because the graft union (and Callus) needs to be covered with soil at this early stage (see also: Omega-Union).
58KB	The harrow behind the tractor loosens the soil and destroys the large capillaries which lead to greater soil water evaporation.