Study

Belowground interactions in a vine (Vitis vinifera L.)-tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) intercropping system: water relations and growth

  • Published source details Celette F., Wery J., Chantelot E., Celette J. & Gary C. (2005) Belowground interactions in a vine (Vitis vinifera L.)-tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) intercropping system: water relations and growth. Plant and Soil, 276, 205-217.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Crop production: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland

Water: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland
  1. Crop production: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1998–2002 in a rainfed vineyard in southern France found lower crop yields in plots sown with grass between vine rows, compared to bare soil. Crop yield: Lower grape yields were found in plots with grass between the vine rows, compared to bare soil (8 vs 12 t/ha). Methods: In 1998, grass seeds (Festuca arudinacea tall fescue) were sown between the vine rows in four treatment plots, and herbicide was used to control weeds between vine rows in four control plots (12 x 15 m plots). The grass was mown three times/year, in the summer. Grape yield was measured from 1999–2002 (three vines/plots).

  2. Water: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1998–2002 in a rainfed vineyard in southern France found that planting grass between the vine rows had inconsistent effects on water availability. Water availability: More water was found in the soil, in plots with grass between the vine rows, compared to bare soil between the vine rows, in eight of 40 comparisons (0.19–0.33 vs 0.14–0.25 m3 water/m3 soil), but less water was found in one of 40 comparisons (0.22 vs 0.27). Methods: In 1998, grass seeds (Festuca arudinacea tall fescue) were sown between the vine rows in four treatment plots, and herbicide was used to control weeds between the vine rows in four control plots (12 x 15 m plots). The grass was mown three times/year, in the summer. Water was measured every three weeks, in mid-March–August 2002, in soil cores (0–150 cm depth; two cores/plot: one under the vines, one between the vines).

     

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