The research, published in the scientific journal Weed Research<\/a>, is the result of multidisciplinary work between the Crop Protection group<\/a> at Agrotecnio – University of Lleida and the Agrotic<\/a> group, specialized in precision agriculture and technologies such as LiDAR. This collaboration has made it possible to combine agronomic analysis with advanced tools for monitoring crops and soil, offering a comprehensive perspective. The authors are Diego Barranco-Elena<\/a>, Jordi Recasens<\/a>, Jordi Llorens-Calveras<\/a>, Alexandre Escol\u00e0 <\/a>and B\u00e0rbara Baraibar.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The study analyses over two growing seasons the use of these organic materials (mulches) as soil covers under the row in vineyards in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, under Mediterranean conditions. The aim is to assess to what extent they can replace common practices such as tillage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weed control is one of the major challenges in organic viticulture. Without chemical herbicides, tillage is often the most widely used solution, but it has significant drawbacks, as it requires time and resources and can degrade soil structure over time. In this context, finding efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives is a priority for the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The results of the study show that these organic mulches can very effectively control annual weeds and contribute to soil protection. However, they were not effective in controlling perennial weeds, especially tussock-forming species such as Cynodon dactylon<\/a> (Bermuda grass).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The results illustrate both the successes and challenges of agroecological measures in weed management and the need to adapt them to each local context to be effective. They also highlight the need for further research to develop efficient strategies for controlling perennial weeds in organic production systems with reduced soil disturbance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond agronomic results, the work also focuses on giving a second life to by-products such as almond residues or waste from winemaking, which can become useful resources within the agricultural system itself. This not only reduces waste but also helps lower farm management costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/agrotecnio.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/grama-843x1124.jpg\")
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