Tilling the vineyard with the inter-row machine can replace or supplement chemical weed control. This approach meets environmental-sustainability standards and enriches the vineyard’s biodiversity.
Chemical control with herbicides, by contrast, encourages resistant weeds over time, eventually making the treatment ineffective.
In this article, we will explore the importance of inter-row cultivation and the advantages of mechanical work over chemical control, and provide a practical guide on how to maximize work efficiency while maintaining vine health and quality.
Integrating under-row processing for mechanical control with agricultural inter-row work protects the vineyard’s micro-fauna and flora and can improve fruit size and quality by increasing nutrient availability.
An inter-row machine also lets you perform four key tasks—with a single pass—using Sicma’s tool-carrier frames:
- soil preparation;
- weed control;
- suckering;
- vegetation mulching.
This multifunctional approach makes vineyard management faster and more efficient, improving quality standards.
Working the vineyard with an inter-row machine allows you to optimize tasks and reduce operating time, with a positive impact on the vineyard itself.
To get the most from your inter-row equipment, follow these best practices:
- Intervene at the right time. Target weed growth and under-row maintenance when grass is about 10–15 cm tall. Taller growth can clog or slow the machine.
- Operate on tempered soil. Soil at ideal moisture facilitates machine passage and optimizes nutrient uptake by the vines; its state depends on soil quality and composition.
- Vary your tools. To avoid soil depletion and maximize mechanical benefits, alternate the implements on your frame and vary tillage methods as needed.
- Design new vineyards for inter-row work. When planting new vines, space and align rows to facilitate machine passage.
- Protect young plants. Newly planted vines and grafting points are particularly vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infection, as they lack a strong woody layer. Shield seedlings from stones and debris.
- Avoid irrigation interference. Position existing or planned irrigation systems so they do not obstruct the inter-row machine’s path—ideally elevated and out of the way.
- Prepare the tool-carrier frame carefully. Correctly fit all implements and position the tool head close to the tractor before starting work to prevent accidents and time loss, improving overall efficiency.
- Use a containment blade. To protect young vines, grafts, and fruiting branches, fit an inter-row containment blade to prevent stones and debris from scattering.
- Manage mature vines. Regulate cane growth and safeguard fruiting branches of established plants to maintain productivity.
- Choose the right width. Select a machine width that allows precise operation between the rows.
Sicma offers a range of inter-row machines designed to meet every agricultural need.
The Sicma inter-row operating machine features a tool-carrier frame available in various widths, chosen according to row spacing.
It can be mounted on the tractor’s front or rear for greater convenience and to enable combined operations with other equipment.
Inter-row machine tools and their combinations:
Tools for soil tillage
- Discs (neutral, motorised, smooth, toothed; single/double/triple ridger star plates)
- Dozer anchor
- Three-blade power harrow
Tools for weed control
- Rotating finger weeder
- Inter-row hydraulic disc
- Refining fin blade
Tools for mulching
- Sucker remover
- Inter-row hydraulic disc
- Blade
Tool for suckering
- Motorised four-row sucker remover with smooth whips
These implements can be combined on the frame to boost efficiency and save time. Combinations should be tailored to terrain, row layout, and working speed—e.g.:
- motorised tools at 2–5 km/h
- disc harrows and anchors at 4–7 km/h
- weeding and mowing tools at up to 12 km/h
In conclusion, all configurations can be customized to your vineyard’s specific requirements—either through consultation with an authorized Sicma dealer or by using the online configurator.
Using inter-row machines in the vineyard offers a sustainable, highly efficient solution for soil and vine management.
Their adoption not only enhances vineyard health but also contributes to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly operations.
By following the guidelines outlined above and leveraging Sicma’s technological solutions, every viticulturist can improve the quality of their crops sustainably—without resorting to chemical herbicides.
