For vineyard managers, dealing with vine prunings has long been a seasonal challenge. Traditional methods, such as removing or burning the cuttings, come with significant drawbacks. Burning prunings, while occasionally offering warmth on cold days, is unsustainable and contributes to significant air pollution, especially in larger vineyards. The labour-intensive task of clearing rows entirely also consumes valuable time and manpower.

Thankfully, there is a more practical and environmentally friendly alternative. Pulverising prunings directly in the vineyard rows is not only a time-saving solution but also an environmentally responsible approach. By shredding vine debris into fine mulch, you can reduce waste and enhance soil fertility, creating a natural cycle that supports healthy, productive vines year after year.

From a disease management perspective, pulverising prunings offers another advantage. When wood is shredded into small, easily decomposed pieces and introduced to healthy soil, it breaks down quickly, minimising the risk of contributing to infections in future seasons.

This article explores four exceptional pulverisers designed to meet the varied needs of UK vine growers. Whether prioritising precision, soil enrichment, or multi-functional versatility, there is a machine to suit every grower’s unique requirements.

For precision and thoroughness: The BG2

When it comes to clearing vineyard rows with precision and efficiency, the Perfect van Wamel BG2 pulveriser stands out as the ideal choice for growers who want to ensure no prunings are left behind. Designed with a robust build and equipped with a brush sweep attachment, this machine is perfect for tidying vineyard floors without missing a single cane.

The BG2’s ability to collect and pulverise even the smallest cuttings reduces the risk of disease while leaving behind finely shredded mulch that decomposes quickly and enriches the soil. Built to clear dense rows efficiently and handle challenging terrains with ease, the BG2 ensures reliable performance season after season.

For soil enrichment: The KK

For growers looking to turn vine prunings into a valuable resource for soil health, the Perfect van Wamel KK mower offers an excellent solution. Designed not only to shred prunings with efficiency, this pulveriser, when fitted with optional side chutes, can also distribute the resulting mulch precisely at the base of the vines, ensuring it provides maximum benefit where it’s needed most.

Using the Perfect KK immediately after pruning season allows you to clear your vineyard floor while enriching the soil with this natural fertiliser. In addition to improving soil health, the finely shredded mulch helps to suppress and slow weed establishment during the early stages of the growing season, setting vines up for success.

For versatility: The Variochop

For growers seeking a versatile solution that works well beyond pruning season, the Perfect van Wamel Variochop offers an outstanding combination of functionality and adaptability. Not only does it handle vine prunings with ease, but when fitted with Combi flails, it also doubles as an efficient mower for maintaining grass alleyways during the summer months, making it a valuable, year-round asset.

What truly sets the Variochop apart is its robust design and ability to tackle dense vegetation without compromising on precision. The Variochop’s Combi flails ensure precise shredding, even in dense rows, while its adaptability reduces the need for multiple pieces of equipment.

For maximum flexibility: The Braun Alpha

For vineyard managers looking to maximise the potential of their machinery, the Braun Alpha pulveriser is an exceptional choice, renowned for its ability to handle multiple tasks with ease.

During pruning season, it effortlessly shreds vine cuttings into fine mulch, enriching the soil and keeping vineyard rows clear. In the summer months, it transitions seamlessly to mowing grass alleys, ensuring that vineyard floors remain neat and well-maintained. What truly sets the Braun Alpha apart is its compatibility with mechanical weeding tools, such as finger weeders and strimmer heads. This flexibility makes it a reliable partner for growers managing diverse vineyard tasks.

With NP Seymour’s range of innovative pulverisers, managing your vine prunings becomes easier, more efficient, and more sustainable.

 For more information about the full range of pulverisers at NP Seymour, contact the sales team on 01580 712200 or email sales@npseymour.co.uk

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