Sustainable Agriculture has conservation at its root- meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future. Chalk Hill's early adoption of vertical viticulture requires a steadfast understanding of soil conservation. The thin, irreplaceable topsoil must be protected with a diverse cover crop serving many purposes. It anchors and protects the precious soil, preventing erosion; captures and affixes nitrogen; and harbors a varied community of beneficial insects that aid in pest management.
Water conservation is addressed through a complex network that allows the delivery of exact portions to each vine through a precisely controlled drip irrigation system. Evaporation is held to an absolute minimum.
Stewardship of human resources is also of prime importance- an ongoing balance between mechanization and hands-on vine tending.
