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nor T h W e S T native Plants offer Cover, Too Washington researchers and growers try local forbs and grasses By Peter Mitham ecosystems vinifera is occupying. Ironically, accreditation systems like Lodi Rules and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) give points for vineyards and wineries that respect the local environment, preserving and encouraging native biodiversity as well as water- efficient landscaping. V With the help of the Washington State University extension office, viticulturist Jason Schlagel of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates chose a mix of local grass- es and flowers to create beneficial diversity around Columbia Crest Estate (above). itis vinifera may not be a type of weed, but it would be deemed an alien invasive species if it was let loose today. Its domestication and cul- tivation in North America is a great thing, but too often its economic benefits leave little room for growers to consider its impact on the native Ways to achieve biodiversity include setting aside tracts of land for native habitat and planting land outside and inside the vine- yard with native species. While there's often an aesthetic appeal to creating a native landscape around a vineyard, native plants also can boost populations of beneficial insects and provide a natural means of enhancing soil health within the vineyard. A mix of native grasses, mustards or legumes that match local growing conditions is especially helpful in building soil organic matter. Cover crops are a relatively safe option for achieving this because, unlike composts and other amendments, there's little risk of introducing pests and other troubles into the vineyard. Organic matter matters March 15-16, 2011 Paso Robles Event Center Paso Robles, California "The most cost-effective organic matter is organic matter grown in place as a cover crop," said Stan Grant, owner of Pro- gressive Viticulture in Turlock, Calif., and a former viticulturist for Gallo Vineyards. "Soils that are well supplied in organic matter tend to support larger, more diverse populations of soil inhabitants, and under these conditions the ability of any particular inhabitants—nematodes, phylloxera, for instance—to damage roots is more restricted." SURVIVAL of the fittest Adapting to changes in the vineyard and marketplace highlights Using native plants as cover crops helps lower vineyard environmental impacts, and they are as effective as conven- tional mixes. A practical, hands-on viticulture production conference for the Central Coast wine grape industry. www.vinesymposium.com 54 Wines & Vines FeBRUARY 201 1 (805) 434-3331 Many native species are difficult to obtain commercially, but a few growers in Washington are using them. Native species enhance biodiversity as an indirect benefit. Deep-rooted cover crops also may help draw nutrients closer to the surface and vine roots, making them available following decomposition. And leguminous plants such as beans, peas and clovers, which fix atmospheric nitrogen, make their own contri- bution as part of the mix. Grant explained that annual cover crops are ideal for vine- yards, where the regular replenishment of soil nutrients is key to