All rights reserved. Objectives of the study were to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilization practices and cover crops on growth, yield, selected arthropod densities, and other viticultural characteristics in a central San Joaquin Valley vineyard. Treatments included conventional cultivation of row middles and application of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. Yield results varied over the three years of data collection, with conventional practices producing the highest average yields nearly as high as those receiving conventional. For example, cover crops often increase irrigation efficiency by making the soil more penetrable.
Compost promotes microbial development in the soil , enriching it with a broader range of chemicals.
Both of these factors tend to improve vine health. During the third year of the study, for example, higher counts of predatory lacewing larvae, a beneficial insect, were noted in the vineyard areas with cover crops. Single copies are available from CATI at no charge. Copies are available and may be viewed or requested from the Research Publications page. All rights reserved.