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A just-released University of California publication will help the state's vineyardists and tree crop growers develop a renewed appreciation for cover crops.

The 168-page Cover Cropping in Vineyards: A Grower's Handbook draws on the expertise of 22 contributing authors -- UC farm advisors, Cooperative Extension specialists, faculty and others. The book is vividly illustrated with more than 100 color photographs and many other black-and-white photos, line drawings, charts and graphs.

"In the last 10 years cover cropping has experienced a widespread resurgence as a result of the growing interest in sustainable agriculture," said Chuck A. Ingels, a UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor and the book's coordinator and principal technical editor.

"This book will help interested growers understand the benefits of growing cover crops, their limitations and how to put them to effective use on their farms."

The book's 12 chapters describe cover crop species and their uses; cover crop systems and management; soil and water effects (e.g. erosion control, soil ecology, fertility and plant nutrition and water demand); impact on insects, weeds, nematodes and vertebrate pests; and it describes the actual practices of a number of growers. The book is written for vineyard owners, managers and consultants and pest control advisers as a practical reference, but the information is also applicable to orchardists.

Cover crops have many potential benefits, Ingels observes. One of their most important uses is to reduce soil erosion. Also, legume cover crops add nitrogen to the soil, thus reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Cover crops can also prevent leaching of soil nitrate to groundwater, improve soil tilth and water penetration, suppress weeds and harmful nematodes and provide habitat for beneficial insects and spiders. Some cover crops are aesthetically pleasing, an important attribute for coastal and foothill wineries.

Cover crops can have some drawbacks, however. They increase water demand and compete with vines for soil moisture and nutrients, although these characteristics can be used to reduce excessive vine vigor. They may also exacerbate some pest problems, such as flower thrips, gophers and meadow voles. Cover crops also add additional costs associated with planting, tending and management, but many growers find that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Cover Cropping in Vineyards: A Grower's Handbook (DANR Publication 3338) is available for $20, plus shipping and sales tax. To order contact University of California, DANR Communication Services -- Publications at 6701 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608-1239; copies are also available from UC Cooperative Extension county offices. To place an order by phone, call (800) 994-8849 or (510) 642-2431; FAX (510) 643-5470. Send e-mail inquiries to danrcs@ucdavis.edu. Discounts are available on orders of 10 or more copies. Shipping and sales tax charges are added to the purchase price.

EDITORS: For a review copy of Cover Cropping in Vineyards: A Grower's Handbook, contact Steve Barnett at 530/754-5118.