The University of California Hopland Research and Extension Center found a unique way to take care of weeds in vineyards.
As sheep graze around the vineyard, they munch on weeds growing between the vines. Sheep have been used for centuries to control any weeds or plants that are unwanted, but sheep would not eat just weeds… sometimes they ate the crops, too.
“We have a project to train sheep to have an aversion to grape leaves,” said Morgan Doran, the leader of the project. “If sheep avoid eating grapes, they can graze on the floor of the vineyard, providing farmers an alternative to using herbicides and mowing.”
Like any other mammals, sheep learn eating habits from its environment. To train the sheep, the project participants allowed the sheep to eat leaves then administered a small dose of lithium chloride that is harmless and creates a tummy ache.
So far the research has gone well and researchers believe they found a good weed control method for vineyard owners.
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