TO STRAW......OR NOT TO STRAW ?

In a recent post, a new grower, Mike Golat asked what
lessons we learned this year.
This year I tried something that I had not tried before.
I used alfalfa hay as a mulch under the leaf canopy after
I buried my vines.  I did this for several reasons....
1) to minimize weed growth.  2) to minimize the leaf burn
that I was getting from reflective heat.  3) and to keep
the soil more moist so I could water less.
I used about 1 to 2 inches of straw.
Did this straw mulch help ?? ......well,  I had no weeds,
and I had no reflective heat burn.....HOWEVER, I did develop
a severe fungus problem.  Did this mulch retain too much water ??
Did this alfalfa create or contribute to the disease that
started in my patch ??
I mailed leaf, soil and root samples to Ribeiro Lab.  The results
showed that I have phytophthora, pythium and fusarium.  Yep, I have
some cleaning up to do before next year.
I am not sure if this straw caused my fungi problem but I WILL NOT
be trying it again next year.  I have discussed this problem with
several heavy hitters from the Northwest and California..... most say
the same thing.......too few benefits, too high a risk.

George
Napa, CA


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