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Syntropic 1: Vineyard

A fungicide-free plantation where dense root systems improve soil aeration and vines are tutored on trees for natural support.

The design is inspired by Ernst Gotsch's work on Syntropic Agroforestry. The main pioneers are the Poplar and Physalis. Salix Alba acts as a first possible tutor for the vines and also as a pioneer.

The inter-row ground cover is grass and alfalta, cut before the last rains of spring, after the first rain at end of summer, and end of fall and/or end of winter. A scythe is used for a clean cut which promotes faster healing and re-growth. The biomass is raked to the margins of the main rows for weed supression and fertilizing.

Vines spacing is 2 by 2 meters.

Supporting plants
Species varietyVarLeafingFloweringFruiting
010203040506070809101112
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Physalis peruviana
010203040506070809101112
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Foeniculum vulgare
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010203040506070809101112
Species varietyTipQtyIntroductionPhase-outPropagationMediumSupplier
Populus and Salix cutting propogation: Las estacas de Populus y Salix hay que prepararlas cuando no tienen hojas, a sabia parada. Igualmente, el brote que te puedan hacer ahora no estará lignificado y con el frío del invierno se puede quemar. Estas estacas enraizaran y brotaran en primavera, por lo que en invierno poco van a hacer. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Q__ La estaca de Populus/Salix, tiene que ser del año de crecimiento o puede ser de 2/3 años? Puede ser de 2/3 años. A__ Nosotros lo hacemos en alveolo forestal, por lo que utilizamos estacas delgadas, del año, pero en campo es conveniente ponerlas más gordas para que tengan más reservas y aguanten el terreno. Q__ Y se puede enterrar/clavar la estaca muy profundo, como 40-50cm o más? Se puede pudrir? A__Sí, se puede pudrir, sobretodo si hay agua estancada durante muchos días. Yo intentaría clavarlas en febrero para que estén el menor tiempo enterradas y sin brotar. [Plant supplier / nursery][naturalea.eu]
Poplar's high water content can cause Frost crack when too cold. Can hybrid poplars have less or more resistance?
Thorny branches can help protect seedlings from boars or deer. Having a diversity of support species can reduce the animal's focus on the cash crop.
Trees with fibrous root structures (poplars, acacias, oaks) are able to improve soil though growth and dieback every year, not the case with every species. Is this related to the tree being deciduous or its ability to re-grow after pruning? [youtu.be]
Cuttings directly on the ground need a wide area clearing and weed suppression, use large leaves and heavy thick mulch. [Can Neret]
Deer likes young poplar leaves. Use very long cuttings to reduce risk. [Can Neret]
Hybrid poplars grow much, much faster without weed competition. Plantings are made on bare ground and disced 4 times a year on the first year for this reason. Management is no longer required when undergrowth is shaded after 2nd year. [lignovis.com]
952022-02-05Stem cuttingCuttingForestal Catalana
Physalis peruviana
Cuttings directly on the ground need a wide area clearing and weed suppression, use large leaves and heavy thick mulch. [Can Neret]
952023-04-05SeedTray
Foeniculum vulgare
2852023-10-072025-08-31SeedTrayPlanters Casas
Species varietyFncStrataTopCut monthsLightLeafFunctions
Pruning lower branches until reach height of 4 meters then coppice in April and November.
Emergent4mPollard [4,11]~50%Pioneering
Physalis peruviana
Coppice after fruit harvest in July. Allow regrowth until winter, then coppice again. Will regrow next spring.
Understory1mCoppice [7]Pioneering
Foeniculum vulgare
Testing if it helps improve conditions by retaining water in the dry periods and creating partial shade.
Undergrowth1.5mCoppice [4,9]
Vines and tutors
Species varietyVarLeafingFloweringFruiting
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010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
Vitis vinifera
Garnacha roja
Garnacha roja
Garnacha roja cl. 148 / R110 0.35 cl. 163 2022/03/03 - Vivers de l'Emporda
010203040506070809101112
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Vitis vinifera
Johanniter
Johanniter
The wines are endowed with moderately strong, fruity aromas and with the right refreshing acidity. On the palate it recalls Pinot Grigio and Riesling with notes of quince, pear and mandarin. The aftertaste can be pleasantly spicy. It is ideal as a sparkling base.
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
Vitis vinifera
Nermantis
Nermantis
Grape variety suitable for red vinification with ripening around mid-September (in San Michele all’Adige) with possible aging. Notes of violets and red fruits. Variety with levels of Malvidina 3.5 diglucosides within the normal range.
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
Vitis vinifera
Souvignier gris
Souvignier gris
Neutral to slightly fruity. The fragrance displays delicate aromas of melon, apricot jam and quince juice. The taste is characterized by a fine and fruity acidity and a delicate tannic structure, which gives well-structured wines a persistent finish.
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
Vitis vinifera
Termantis
Termantis
Grape variety suitable for red vinification with ripening around the beginning of September (in San Michele all’Adige) with possible aging. Notes of violets and red fruits. Variety with levels of Malvidina 3.5 diglucosides within the normal range.
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
010203040506070809101112
Species varietyTipQtyIntroductionPhase-outPropagationMediumSupplier
Populus and Salix cutting propogation: Las estacas de Populus y Salix hay que prepararlas cuando no tienen hojas, a sabia parada. Igualmente, el brote que te puedan hacer ahora no estará lignificado y con el frío del invierno se puede quemar. Estas estacas enraizaran y brotaran en primavera, por lo que en invierno poco van a hacer. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Q__ La estaca de Populus/Salix, tiene que ser del año de crecimiento o puede ser de 2/3 años? Puede ser de 2/3 años. A__ Nosotros lo hacemos en alveolo forestal, por lo que utilizamos estacas delgadas, del año, pero en campo es conveniente ponerlas más gordas para que tengan más reservas y aguanten el terreno. Q__ Y se puede enterrar/clavar la estaca muy profundo, como 40-50cm o más? Se puede pudrir? A__Sí, se puede pudrir, sobretodo si hay agua estancada durante muchos días. Yo intentaría clavarlas en febrero para que estén el menor tiempo enterradas y sin brotar. [Plant supplier / nursery][naturalea.eu]
Cuttings directly on the ground need a wide area clearing and weed suppression, use large leaves and heavy thick mulch. [Can Neret]
1002022-02-05Stem cuttingCuttingForestal Catalana
502022-02-05SeedTrayForestal Catalana
122022-02-05SeedTrayForestal Catalana
It prefers moist or wet soil. can grow in very acid soils. wildlife. Thrives in alkaline soils but not in shallow soils over chalk. surprisingly tolerant of seasonally water-logged soils frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. A fast growing tree. Very tolerant of cutting. light canopy and cast little shade. [pfaf.org]
132022-02-05SeedTrayForestal Catalana
Tap root, can grow in heavy clay soil, can grow in semi-shade. A good tree for growing grapes into. [pfaf.org]
252022-02-05SeedTrayViver Tres Turons
Vitis vinifera
Garnacha roja
Grapes benefit from shade in very hot days. Fruit can be damaged by excess heat and sun. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Vine roots grow deeper when surrounded by weeds [Plant supplier / nursery]
202022-03-03GraftBare-rootVivers de l'Empordà
Vitis vinifera
Johanniter
Grapes benefit from shade in very hot days. Fruit can be damaged by excess heat and sun. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Vine roots grow deeper when surrounded by weeds [Plant supplier / nursery]
202022-02-25GraftBare-rootVivai Forti (IT)
Vitis vinifera
Nermantis
Grapes benefit from shade in very hot days. Fruit can be damaged by excess heat and sun. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Vine roots grow deeper when surrounded by weeds [Plant supplier / nursery]
202022-02-25GraftBare-rootVivai Forti (IT)
Vitis vinifera
Souvignier gris
Grapes benefit from shade in very hot days. Fruit can be damaged by excess heat and sun. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Vine roots grow deeper when surrounded by weeds [Plant supplier / nursery]
202022-02-25GraftBare-rootVivai Forti (IT)
Vitis vinifera
Termantis
Grapes benefit from shade in very hot days. Fruit can be damaged by excess heat and sun. [Plant supplier / nursery]
Vine roots grow deeper when surrounded by weeds [Plant supplier / nursery]
202022-02-25GraftBare-rootVivai Forti (IT)
Species varietyFncStrataTopCut monthsLightLeafFunctions
Emergent2mPrune Living trellis, Pioneering
Canopy2mPrune ~50%Living trellis
Canopy2mPrune Living trellis
Canopy2mPrune Living trellis
Seed selection from a tree not affected by Dutch Elm Disease, possible resistance.
Canopy2mPrune Living trellis
Vitis vinifera
Garnacha roja
Row 5. This is the control group, it is a common variety not selective fungus resistant.
Climber2mPrune ~50%
Vitis vinifera
Johanniter
Row 4
Climber2mPrune ~50%
Vitis vinifera
Nermantis
Row 1 (riverside)
Climber2mPrune ~50%
Vitis vinifera
Souvignier gris
Row 3
Climber2mPrune ~50%
Vitis vinifera
Termantis
Row 2
Climber2mPrune ~50%

Project Log

2024-04-19 20/-0°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2024 week 16 20/5°C, 3.2mm
2024 week 15 24/7°C, 9.3mm
2024 week 14 23/7°C, 0mm
2024 week 13 19/8°C, 36.8mm
2024 week 12 22/9°C, 0mm

VInes and Ulmus minor early season growth

2023-11-13 26/7°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 46 26/7°C, 0mm
2023 week 45 19/7°C, 0.1mm
2023 week 44 22/8°C, 0.7mm
2023 week 43 25/14°C, 2.1mm
2023 week 42 24/12°C, 5mm

Planted longer poplar cuttings (Nov 14). A few wider cuttings had this resident.

2023-10-05 28/15°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 40 28/14°C, 0.1mm
2023 week 39 30/13°C, 0mm
2023 week 38 27/14°C, 6.7mm
2023 week 37 30/16°C, 36.8mm
2023 week 36 32/13°C, 0mm

The large poplar created afternoon shade in part of the plantation (non-irrigated) where increased ground moisture was observed. Planted 3x Foeniculum vulgare between vines (plugs).

+3
2023-06-09 30/17°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 23 28/14°C, 4.2mm
2023 week 22 26/12°C, 17.8mm
2023 week 21 26/12°C, 46mm
2023 week 20 23/8°C, 6.4mm
2023 week 19 23/10°C, 63.1mm

Physalis propagation by cuttings. Bugs on onion flower.

2023-06-07 26/12°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 23 27/13°C, 4.2mm
2023 week 22 26/12°C, 17.8mm
2023 week 21 26/12°C, 46mm
2023 week 20 23/8°C, 6.4mm
2023 week 19 23/10°C, 63.1mm

Provisional tutoring

+4
2023-05-12 18/7°C, 23.7mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 19 23/11°C, 55mm
2023 week 18 26/9°C, 16.1mm
2023 week 17 25/11°C, 10.2mm
2023 week 16 23/6°C, 6.8mm
2023 week 15 22/5°C, 0.9mm

Physalis peruviana had 30% regrowth since fall (pruned at 20cm). Sorghum hybrid and Crotalaria juncea was seeded 2023-05-06 to develop the "placenta" of the planting.

+1
2023-04-29 28/13°C, 5.3mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 17 25/10°C, 6.6mm
2023 week 16 23/6°C, 6.8mm
2023 week 15 22/5°C, 0.9mm
2023 week 14 20/3°C, 0mm
2023 week 13 21/5°C, 3.6mm

Inter-rows cutting with scythe and biomass distribution.

2023-03-10 23/7°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2023 week 10 21/4°C, 0mm
2023 week 09 14/-0°C, 0.4mm
2023 week 08 16/4°C, 27.5mm
2023 week 07 18/-0°C, 0.2mm
2023 week 06 11/0°C, 43.4mm

Grape vine buds swelling

2022-10-26 28/10°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 43 28/11°C, 0mm
2022 week 42 27/13°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 41 26/12°C, 0.2mm
2022 week 40 24/12°C, 42.7mm
2022 week 39 25/10°C, 13.9mm

Fall growth, Ulmus and Fraxinus in moist soil has grown 1 meter in the season. An Acer campestre is catching up.

+5
2022-07-23 33/20°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 29 36/18°C, 0mm
2022 week 28 37/19°C, 0mm
2022 week 27 35/17°C, 1.9mm
2022 week 26 32/16°C, 0.7mm
2022 week 25 32/16°C, 5.2mm

Cuscuta control, flowering spotted

2022-06-15 36/20°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 24 36/18°C, 0mm
2022 week 23 32/15°C, 2mm
2022 week 22 31/13°C, 0mm
2022 week 21 27/13°C, 15.5mm
2022 week 20 32/12°C, 0.1mm

Physalis peruviana planting

2022-06-11 34/13°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 23 31/14°C, 2mm
2022 week 22 31/13°C, 0mm
2022 week 21 27/13°C, 15.5mm
2022 week 20 32/12°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 19 28/11°C, 27mm

Opened unplanned irrigation canals.

2022-06-09 28/15°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 23 30/15°C, 2mm
2022 week 22 31/13°C, 0mm
2022 week 21 27/13°C, 15.5mm
2022 week 20 32/12°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 19 28/11°C, 27mm

Shredding to contain cuscuta exposed the soil causing drought, affecting all seedlings.

2022-06-05 30/15°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 22 31/13°C, 0mm
2022 week 21 27/13°C, 15.5mm
2022 week 20 32/12°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 19 28/11°C, 27mm
2022 week 18 24/10°C, 6.2mm

Cuscuta infestation. Unknown origin, likely from original barley seeding due to location and timing of appearance.

2022-05-30 28/12°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 22 28/12°C, 0mm
2022 week 21 27/13°C, 15.5mm
2022 week 20 32/12°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 19 28/11°C, 27mm
2022 week 18 24/10°C, 6.2mm

End of may,

2022-05-14 29/12°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 19 28/11°C, 27mm
2022 week 18 24/10°C, 6.2mm
2022 week 17 23/8°C, 13mm
2022 week 16 19/8°C, 47.8mm
2022 week 15 21/8°C, 5.6mm

Close-ups

+16
2022-04-23 17/7°C, 3.4mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 16 18/8°C, 47.5mm
2022 week 15 21/8°C, 5.6mm
2022 week 14 20/4°C, 12.6mm
2022 week 13 15/4°C, 24.4mm
2022 week 12 16/5°C, 15.2mm

Log splitting and distribution

2022-02-25 14/2°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 08 18/2°C, 0mm
2022 week 07 18/2°C, 3.1mm
2022 week 06 17/1°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 05 17/1°C, 0mm
2022 week 04 18/-2°C, 0.1mm

Vine planting

+3
2022-02-08 18/-1°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 06 18/-0°C, 0mm
2022 week 05 17/1°C, 0mm
2022 week 04 18/-2°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 03 14/-2°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 02 14/-2°C, 1.4mm

Biomass distribution

2022-02-04 16/1°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2022 week 05 18/0°C, 0mm
2022 week 04 18/-2°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 03 14/-2°C, 0.1mm
2022 week 02 14/-2°C, 1.4mm
2022 week 01 15/-0°C, 2.9mm

Planting before calçotada.

+4
2021-12-30 21/6°C, 0.0mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2021 week 52 20/8°C, 0mm
2021 week 51 16/2°C, 0.4mm
2021 week 50 16/-1°C, 0.4mm
2021 week 49 14/1°C, 0mm
2021 week 48 14/0°C, 0.5mm

Preparing the ground with a "fresadora".

2021-06-17 28/17°C, 0.8mm
Prior average high/low, total precipitation
2021 week 24 33/18°C, 0.8mm
2021 week 23 32/16°C, 18mm
2021 week 22 27/13°C, 1.2mm
2021 week 21 26/11°C, 10.1mm
2021 week 20 23/10°C, 0mm

First meeting to discuss Syntropic plantation

Lessons

  • Can Neret
    [Irrigation] Have a plan for irrigation even if designing a no-irrigation system, as to give the plantation a chance to establish in the first years in case of drought.
  • Can Neret
    [Reap/mow] When mowing the inter-rows or cover crop, make sure there is enough rain forecast for it to re-grow before summer drought. Having a low or no cover will increase the soil temperature and cause water loss affecting all plants in the area. (Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Medicago sativa)
  • Can Neret
    [Stem cutting] Ribes nigrum cuttings were collected November 9th. Planted on the 12th/nov. They had roots late December. (Ribes nigrum, Ribes rubrum)
  • Plant supplier / nursery
    Grapes benefit from shade in very hot days. Fruit can be damaged by excess heat and sun. (Vitis vinifera)
  • Plant supplier / nursery
    Vine roots grow deeper when surrounded by weeds (Vitis vinifera)
  • Can Neret
    Plant supplier / nursery
    [Design] Shade from the west side can reduce ground water loss during the hot summer afternoons. When looking at cumulative hours, this can make a very big difference in long drought period.