Study

Self-reseeding annual legumes evaluated as cover crops for untilled vineyards

  • Published source details McGourty G., Nosera J., Tylicki S. & Toth A. (2008) Self-reseeding annual legumes evaluated as cover crops for untilled vineyards. California Agriculture, 62, 191-194.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Water: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

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

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2003–2005 in an irrigated vineyard in Lake County, California, USA, found that less water was available in plots with cover crops, compared to tilled soil, between the vine rows. Water availability: Less water was available in plots with cover crops, compared to tilled soil, in some comparisons, in one of two years (maximum difference in leaf water potential in 2004: –1.27 vs –0.93 mPa). Methods: There were 12–22 plots (20 feet length) with cover crops (5 feet width, seeded in October 2003, each with a different species) between the vine rows (8 feet width) and 12–22 plots with tilled soil between the vine rows (2004: 22 plots; 2005: 12 plots). Leaf water potential was measured once or twice a week (11 am–1 pm, pressure bomb, one vine/plot, June–July 2004 and July–August 2005). All plots were drip irrigated (weekly for 10–12 weeks from July, 40–48 gallons/vine/year).

     

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