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Plantation
When the grapevine cuttings are ready, plantation is performed with the help of a drill. Compost, which substitutes for the organic matter necessary to all plants good development, is dropped into the each hole.
Trellising
As for all ascending plants, vines need to be tied to a prop. Out of all materials tested, Pergolas gave the most satisfactory results as they are the one offering the best protection for the grapes from both the sun and the eventual sea spray coming out from the ocean. Pergolas are built on angled, galvanized pipes buried in the soil. Several rows of wires support both the vines and the pergolas while Caribbean Pine poles put in at the end of each vine row, support the whole structure.
Irrigation
Due to the climate and the intense water evaporation, each particular vine receives droplet irrigation. With the use of several solar panels as power supply, water is being pumped and stocked in a 13200 gallons tank. This water is delivered daily to each vine. Mineral fertilizer may be add through the irrigation system if needed. Also the high level of limestone requires the addition of iron chelates to avoid ferric chlorosis.
The vineyard cycle in the tropics is very different from the one noticed in temperate climates. The absence of a cold season generates continual growth for the plants. It is therefore the manual pruning of the vine that initiates a new vegetal cycle. There is no latency period, hence cycles between pruning and maturity vary from 90 to 130 days depending on the grape variety. The best pruning ratio is reached from the Cordon de Royat with the use of its more or less long canes. Owing to this climate with such particular features and the techniques used, the vineyard delivers two harvests a year.
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