Principle No. 2

The practice ofpermanent grassing without tillage is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting agronomic techniques and is fully practicable in our territorial context with some attention. This technique offers numerous benefits both agronomically and environmentally. Let us see them in detail.

Benefits of permanent grassing.

1. Improvement of soil structure
   
   • The roots of herbaceous plants stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and allowing agricultural vehicles to pass through even after heavy rains.
2. Increased biodiversity
   
   • A stably covered soil encourages a greater variety of insects, microorganisms and other beneficial organisms, enriching the ecosystem.
3. Improved water management
   
   • Grassing increases the soil’s ability to infiltrate water and reduces surface evaporation, improving water efficiency.
4. Compaction reduction
   
   • By avoiding heavy tillage, the soil retains its natural porosity, reducing the risk of compaction.
5. Weed control
   
   • Well-managed grassland limits the development of undesirable weed species, reducing the need for corrective action.
6. Sustainability and emission reduction
   
   • Decreased mechanical processing reduces fossil fuel consumption, contributing to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.
7. Quality improvement and sustainability
   
   • In addition to improving grape quality, grassing strengthens soil and environmental health, aligning perfectly with the principles of organic and sustainable viticulture.
8. Climate stability
   
   • A covered soil is better protected from temperature changes, both in winter and summer, promoting more stable climatic conditions for cultivation.

The role of horse compost in permanent grassing.

In my experience, the use of horse compost is a key factor in making grassing more effective. I have observed an immediate effect in promoting grass growth due to the presence of nitrogen, which stimulates herbaceous plant development and makes the turf more vigorous.

Why does horse compost stimulate grassing?

The particular effectiveness of horse compost stems from the nature of the horse’s digestive system, which is less efficient than that of other ruminant herbivores such as cattle and sheep. This results in some specific advantages:

1. Intact seed passage
   
   • Many seeds pass through the horse’s digestive system without damage, retaining their germination capacity.
   • Seeds of grasses (e.g., ryegrass, fescue, poa), legumes (e.g., clover, wild vetch) and other species (e.g., plantain, romaine) can germinate directly from the compost.
2. High carbon content
   
   • Because the horse is not a ruminant, its ability to digest fiber is limited. This results in carbon-rich manure, which helps improve soil fertility.

Synergy between horse compost and grassing.

Supplementing permanent grassing with the application of horse compost offers multiple benefits:

• Stimulates soil fertility through the combination of nitrogen and carbon.
• Improves soil structure by promoting drainage and porosity.
• It increases microbiological dynamism by enriching the soil with beneficial microorganisms that support plant health.

Permanent grassing, enhanced by the use of horse compost, represents a sustainable and regenerative practice that improves soil health, grape quality and environmental balance. This synergy between natural techniques and advanced agronomic management is a concrete example of how productivity and respect for the environment can be reconciled.

Continuous observation and management.

As Alessandra Cappellozza, an agronomist and expert in agricultural sustainability, points out:

“Permanent grassing is not just an agronomic choice, but a dynamic balance between the vine, the soil and the environment that requires constant care and a long-term vision ..”

Permanent grassing is an indispensable practice for improving soil structure, reducing erosion and increasing biodiversity. However, it requires careful management based on knowledge and constant observation. Two key aspects to monitor are:

1. General balance
   
   • Balancing the vigor of the grasses with that of the vine is crucial.
   • Over-stimulation of grasses can lead to competition for water and nutrients, especially in drought years.
   • For this reason, grassing must be kept under control with targeted interventions.
2. Mix of herbaceous species
   
   • Initially, some sowing is necessary, but the long-term goal is to favor native species.
   • After years of experimentation, I achieved a perfect mix of:
     
     • Nitrogen-fixing species, such as clover and vetch.
     • Low-competitive species, such as poaceae and grasses (e.g., fescue and ryegrass), also particularly useful as forage for horses.

Mowing management.

Mowing management is a critical issue. It is necessary to consider:

• Techniques and timing: The frequency and manner in which mowing is done can affect the vigor of grasses and competition with vines.
• Soil care: Soil with a good supply of organic matter facilitates grassland management.

Natural weeding: a conscious choice.

My goal is not simply cover crops, butspontaneous grassing, which allows a more natural, low-intervention and less expensive approach. This choice favors biodiversity, simplifies management and promotes more sustainable agriculture.

Why clover is an ideal choice in natural grassing.

Having a good clover presence in one’s fields brings numerous benefits:

1. Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen
   
   • As a legume, clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiosis with rhizobial bacteria in the roots.
   • It transforms nitrogen into a form that can be assimilated by plants, naturally enriching the soil.
2. Uniform ground cover
   
   • Clover creates a dense, low mat, protecting the soil from erosion and limiting the development of unwanted weeds.
3. Increased functional biodiversity
   
   • It attracts pollinating insects and other beneficial organisms.
   • Supports an active microfauna in the soil, which is critical for organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
4. Competition with weeds
   
   • Once well established, clover smothers the most aggressive weeds, minimizing management interventions.

Clover in the vineyard: a perfect ally.

Abundant nitrogen supply or excessive nitrogen release is not necessary in the vineyard. Clover is therefore an ideal choice among legumes because of:

• Moderate and well-balanced nitrogen fixation.
• Simple and natural management.

Because of these characteristics, clover integrates perfectly with the needs of the vine, helping to create a balanced and sustainable system.

Careful clover management: practical tips.

Clover is a valuable resource for natural grassland, but it requires targeted management to promote its growth and stabilization. Here are some useful steps:

1. Do not mow during flowering
   
   • It is important to avoid mowing or shredding during the flowering period to allow natural seeding and seed dispersal.
2. Maintain turf height.
   
   • Keep the grass about 8-10 cm high, an ideal level that does not penalize clover growth.
3. Limit tillage
   
   • Clover takes time to establish itself. Even superficial soil tillage can compromise the presence of this important grass.
4. Compost management
   
   • Use compost in moderation, just enough to vitalize the soil and encourage grasses, without overdoing it, as an excess of nutrients could reduce the competitiveness of clover.

Because grasses are also essential.

Grasses not only complement clover but also provide unique benefits to the soil and vineyard ecosystem:

1. Fibrous roots for optimal soil structure
   
   • The fibrous, branching roots of grasses:
     
     • They improve soil porosity.
     • They prevent compaction, keeping the soil aerated and draining.
2. Stabilizing effect
   
   • The surface root system of grasses keeps the soil compact, especially during periods of heavy rain, reducing the risk of erosion.
3. Contribution to humus formation
   
   • Grasses are particularly effective in humus formation due to:
     Fine roots rich in exudates:
     
     • They explore large portions of soil and release sugars and organic compounds that feed microbial activity, which is essential for humus formation. When the roots die, they leave a network of fine organic residues in the soil, enhancing the stabilization of organic matter.

4. High biomass and carbon production:
   
   • Grass residues have a relatively high carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, which slows decomposition and promotes the formation of stable humus.
   • The lignin in the residues is particularly resistant to microbial decomposition, contributing to the formation of stable humus.
5. Balance between rapid decomposition and stabilization:
   
   • Grasses offer a combination of easily degradable materials (sugars and proteins in fresh roots) and more resistant materials (lignin and cellulose). This balance:
     
     • It provides constant microbial nutrition.
     • It allows stabilization of more resistant fractions, creating long-lasting humus.

Conclusion: the ideal mix for grassing.

A balanced approach between clover and grasses offers synergistic benefits:

• Clover provides nitrogen and functional biodiversity, improving soil cover and competition with weeds.
• Grasses contribute to soil structural stability and stable humus formation.

This carefully managed combination results in a natural, balanced and sustainable grassing system that supports soil health and vineyard productivity.

Weeding V/S Processing

It is inevitable that proponents of tillage emphasize the benefits of this practice. However, when carefully analyzed, it turns out that many of these benefits are only temporary and, in the long run, can be counterproductive.

Alleged benefits of processing: a critical evaluation.

1. Improvement of soil structure
   
   • Yes, but–tilling breaks up surface compaction, temporarily improving structure. However, within a few weeks, the soil tends to recompact, often to a greater extent than before, requiring further work.
2. Ease of water penetration
   
   • Yes, but-this effect is also temporary. Over time, tillage can increase surface compaction and reduce the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water.
3. Reduced competition for water and nutrients
   
   • Only in extreme cases. In very dry environments, this can be helpful, but in well-managed vineyards with good organic matter, as in my area, it is not a major problem.
4. Improved incorporation of compost and organic matter
   
   • Yes, but not always desirable. Tillage accelerates mineralization, but in a high-quality oriented vineyard it is not advisable to overstimulate vegetative growth.
   • Alternative solution: Spreading compost in November allows for a gradual release of nutrients, coinciding with the vine’s periods of greatest need.
5. Weed control
   
   • Not necessary. Weed control can be achieved just as effectively with mowing and chopping, which also stimulates the decomposition of organic matter.
6. Soil warming in spring
   
   • Questionable effect. Tilled soil warms up more quickly in spring, but this can advance the vine’s growing cycle, exposing it more to the risk of late frost. Stimulating a slightly delayed vegetative cycle is often more beneficial.

The irrefutable disadvantages of processing.

Despite the purported benefits, processing has several disadvantages, many of which have both short-term and long-term negative impacts:

1. Loss of organic matter
   
   • Tillage accelerates mineralization, causing soil fertility to decrease over time.
2. Soil erosion
   
   • In hilly or sloping soils, tillage exposes the soil to water erosion and nutrient leaching. In flat lands, although to a lesser extent, this risk is also present.
3. Reduction in soil biodiversity
   
   • Frequent tillage depletes not only above-ground biodiversity, but also disturbs the soil microbiome, compromising underground habitats.
4. Compaction of deep layers
   
   • Tillage promotes the formation of compact layers in the subsoil below the depth of the plow. This phenomenon is aggravated by the passage of agricultural machinery.
   • A practical example: Notice how the tilled soil of a vineyard tends to be lower than the untilled prode.
5. Increased costs and energy consumption
   
   • Processing requires machinery, fuel and labor, increasing operating costs. They also increase CO₂ emissions, with significant environmental impact.
6. Less resilience to drought
   
   • Tilled soil loses moisture faster than turf-covered soil, making the vineyard less resilient during summer periods.

Conclusion: the advantages of permanent grassing.

In light of this analysis, it is clear that the supposed advantages of tillage do not justify the long-term disadvantages.Permanent grassing is a sustainable and regenerative solution that improves soil structure, reduces erosion, increases biodiversity, and supports more resilient and cost-effective agricultural management.

Choosing grassing means investing in healthier soil and a more balanced vineyard, capable of meeting future challenges with greater sustainability and respect for the environment.

Chopping or Mowing?

Working the soil regularly does not make much sense except on exceptional occasions, such as to fix it for the passage of vehicles or in other situations of real need. Rather, it is more useful to focus attention on how to manage grass in the vineyard, considering two main techniques: chopping and mowing.

The choice between these two options depends on agronomic objectives, vineyard characteristics, soil type, and climatic conditions. Below, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Mowing: cutting and fragmentation of grass.

Mulching involves cutting and fragmenting the grass into small pieces, which are distributed on the ground.

🌟 Advantages of chopping

1. Rapid supply of organic matter
   
   • Shredded grass decomposes quickly, releasing rapidly available nutrients for plants.
2. Improvement of soil surface structure
   
   • It stimulates the activity of earthworms and decomposing microorganisms, improving soil quality.
3. Reduction of water evaporation
   
   • The layer of shredded material helps retain moisture, which is especially useful in hot, dry climates.

⚠️ Disadvantages of chopping

1. Higher energy consumption
   
   • Mulchers require more power and fuel than mowers.
2. Risk of compaction
   
   • If carried out on wet soil, repeated passing of machinery can compact the soil.
3. “Choking” effect
   
   • An excessive layer of shredded material can create anaerobic conditions, hindering natural decomposition.

👉 When to choose chopping? Chopping is ideal for sandy or well-drained soils where it is important to return nutrients to the soil quickly, such as during periods when plants need it most.

Mowing: cutting without fragmentation.

Mowing involves simply cutting the grass, which is left on the ground without further processing.

🌟 Advantages of mowing

1. Improved soil aeration
   
   • Mowed grass decomposes more slowly, avoiding anaerobic conditions.
2. Reduced risk of compaction
   
   • Mowers are lighter than mulchers, reducing the mechanical impact on the soil.
3. Flexible turf management
   
   • It allows the grass height to be precisely adjusted while maintaining an ideal balance.
4. Gradual release of nutrients
   
   • Slow decomposition promotes controlled release, which is ideal for maintaining soil and plant stability.
5. Less impact on biodiversity
   
   • Mowers disturb beneficial insect populations less than shredders.
6. Increased mulching effect
   
   • The remaining grass layer provides long-term protection against evaporation and erosion.
7. Reduction of mechanical steps
   
   • Grass regrowth is less rapid than with chopping, reducing the need for frequent interventions.

⚠️ Disadvantages of mowing

1. Slower release of nutrients
   
   • This can be a disadvantage if you need a quick supply, but in my case it is a sought-after effect to ensure a natural soil balance.

👉 When to choose mowing?

Mowing is ideal for clay soils or during rainy years, where a gradual release of nutrients is preferable to maintain a natural balance without excess nitrogen.

Conclusion: conscious management.

Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, but in my case, mowing is more suitable. I particularly like the fact that it leaves a thicker and more persistent grass layer, providing a superior mulching effect in the long run. However, there are specific situations, such as rapid nutrient release in summer, where mowing may be a more appropriate choice.

The key is to observe and adapt agronomic practices to climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and specific vineyard goals.

Mulching or mowing? A flexible choice .

Although it prefers mowing, it is important to adapt to weather conditions and specific needs. For example, in situations where rapid release of nutrients to the soil is needed (such as in early summer), chopping may be a more advantageous choice.

Optimizing the timing of cutting in natural grassland.

A key aspect of managing natural grassing is the choice of timing and frequency of cutting, which may favor some grass species over others. Only through observation and experience can one get the most out of this practice.

Cutting times and benefits

Cutting frequency and benefits

Grassing: an ecological and sustainable solution.

If managed properly,spontaneous grassing can become a pillar of sustainability in the vineyard:

• It increases biodiversity.
• Promotes local flora and fauna.
• Improves soil health.
• Reduces the need for outside intervention.

References and authoritative voices.

Numerous scholars have addressed the benefits and challenges of no-tillage. Here are some notable references:

1. David L. Rowland, University of Wisconsin, USA.
2. Rolf Derpsch, agronomist, pioneer of conservation agriculture.
3. Jean-Michel Gaillard, INRA, France, with contributions on soil health.
4. Thomas A. M. P. Van der Heijden, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
5. Alan R. Borré, researcher in sustainable agronomy.
6. Alessandra L. Cappellozza, University of Turin, Italy.
   
   • Specializing in grassing practices and sustainable soil management in organic vineyards.
7. Fabio Antichi, University of Bologna, Italy.
   
   • With studies on the effectiveness of conservationist agricultural practices in vineyards.

Famous quotes about permanent grassing.

1. Claude Bourguignon, soil microbiologist:

“A covered soil is a protected soil. Permanent grassing is one of the keys to preserving soil fertility and life.”

2. Pierre Masson, biodynamic agricultural consultant:

“Permanent grass cover is not just a green cover: it is a filter, a regulator, an erosion barrier and a biological bridge between the soil and the plant.”

3. Marc-André Selosse, biologist expert in mycorrhizae:

“Permanent grassing is the skin of the soil. To remove it is to expose the soil to irreparable injury.”

4. Alain Canet, agroforestry and soil expert:

“Permanent grassing is not just an agronomic choice, but an act of responsibility to future generations.”

5. Stefano Mancuso, plant neurobiologist:

“Plants are not just roots and leaves; they are intelligent networks that communicate, protect and build the ecosystem. Permanent grassing harnesses this natural network for plant health.”

Conclusion.

As you may have understood, permanent grassing is not just an agronomic practice, but an integrated ecological approach that combines science, ethics and sustainability. It is the basis of the MANS method, a conscious choice for agriculture that respects the soil and the future.

Next installment

In the next installment we will address an equally important topic: theagricultural organism.

Stay connected!