COVER CROPS in South African Vineyards

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SHUTTERSTOCK

COVER-CROP ESTABLISHMENT

Re-establishment of a cover crop by self-seeding could reduce the costs associated with cover-crop management significantly. To test the re-establishment potential of cover crops, trials were conducted in three regions in which cover crops were allowed to complete their life cycles and produce seed, and full-surface weed control was only carried out after grapevine berry set.

This chapter discusses the results of trials in the Coastal region, Lower Orange River region, and Olifants River valley, to assess the re-establishment of cover crops when these were allowed to set seed. In addition, the results of trials assessing fertilisation on a sandy soil in the Olifants River valley, and trials of different implements on a sandy loam soil in the Coastal region, are described under separate headings. The findings related to fertilisation in the Olifants River valley are applicable to all vineyards established on sandy soils, and those related to implements are applicable to all regions

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