COVER CROPS in South African Vineyards

COVER CROPS IN SOUTH AFRICAN VINEYARDS

Breede River valley Coastal region Olifants River valley Lower Orange River valley Limpopo

FIGURE 2.1. The major grape-growing regions of South Africa. (SATI).

Most of the results discussed in this book were obtained from trials conducted at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij research farms in Stellenbosch, Robertson, and Lutzville.These sites represent grapevine-growing conditions in the Coastal region, Breede River valley, and Olifants River valley, respectively. Rainfall and temperature data for these three sites are summarised in Figure 2.2. Certain trials were also carried out near Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, and near Keimoes in the Lower Orange River region. In addition, some of the trials in the Coastal region took place at the farms Blaauwklippen and Boschendal, both near Stellenbosch, and at Plaisir de Merle, near Paarl. Information on the different trial sites is provided below. Please note that although trials were conducted with a limited selection of cultivars, the results are applicable to wine, table, and raisin grapes.

31