Is Cover Cropping for YOU?
A cover crop is a plant grown for the benefit of the soil rather than to sell as a marketable crop. Often time, cover crops are used to prevent erosion, improve soil health, improve water capacity, outcompete weeds, and mitigate diseases or pests. Common cover crops include oats, barley, ryes, and legumes (like clover, peas, or vetch). However, selecting appropriate cover crop is necessary because incorrectly selected cover crops may compete with the grape crop, affect frost incidence on the vines, and encourage pests like thrips and gophers. Below are some resources on cover cropping.
University of California Resources:
- Cover Cropping in Vineyards: A Grower’s Handbook, UCANR Publication 3338
- Sustainable Agriculture - Cover Crops, UC SAREP
- California Cover Crops Resources, UC ANR
