Vegetation cover in vineyards can be used to manage soil structure, organic matter, hydrology, erosion, nutrient dynamics, diseases and insect pests, while conserving wild plant species and biodiversity. This case study combines an ecological approach with data from a variety of studies to illustrate how different plant species and management approaches can solves these many interacting management issues. For example, all grasses prevent erosion, enhance soil structure, organic matter, traction and water penetration, and most tolerate mowing and persist without added irrigation. Growing native perennial grasses in vineyards also conserves rare species while enhancing attractiveness for tourists.
Vetches boost soil nitrogen, attract beneficial insects, and inhibit nematodes.
Still, high N levels decrease fruit quality and increase pests, so that legumes with low N-fixation, like clovers and medics are usually best. These also tolerate drought, suppress weeds and compete little with vines. Cover crops can compete for water and nutrients, inhibit vine establishment, and increase frost damage- while mowing reduces this, it also reduces cover benefits. Varying cover species between rows can balance nutrient inputs, vine vigor and beneficial insect attraction. Management can modify vegetation effects as well- disking incorporates cover nutrients, while mowing without incorporation can facilitate N losses and minimize competition.