COVER CROPS in South African Vineyards

COVER CROPS IN SOUTH AFRICAN VINEYARDS

the control without a cover crop, demonstrating the importance of leaving the cover-crop residues to mulch the soil surface.

WATER REQUIRED TO IRRIGATE COVER CROPS DURING WINTER IS MORE THAN OFFSET BY WATER SAVINGS DUE

These results illustrate that the water required to irrigate cover crops during winter in the semi- arid Olifants River valley is compensated for by a reduction of as much as 85 millimetres of water irrigated per hectare per year due to the summer mulch provided by the cover crop. The increase in soil organic carbon, discussed in Chapter 6, is an additional benefit. However, keep in mind that the growing cover crop will increase water use if not controlled during bud-break. Reference list Fourie JC. 2015. Soil tillage, cover crops and weed control as part of an integrated approach to the cultivation of grapevines. Part 3: Amount of irrigation water needed per hectare as affected by soil management. Wineland July, 76–79. TO THE SUMMER MULCH PROVIDED BY THE COVER CROP.

JOHAN FOURIE

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