Spontaneous green cover and competition: synthesis of 5 years of study in the Rhone Valley
F. BOUTIN, B. GENEVET ; Vaucluse Chamber of Agriculture –Gard Chamber of Agriculture, France
The presence of green cover between rows of vines during winter months continues to be recommended since it does not compete with the vines. However the limitations imposed by green covering during the vegetative growth period of the vine have often lead vineyard managers to avoid this technique in less fertile vineyard plots. The limitations are linked to possible excessive competition for water resources but also to the difficulties associated with green cover management.
Different spontaneous grass cover methods were tested to evaluate the competition in the vineyard for vigour, yield, grape berry maturation and also the flora evolution linked to these management practices. The results from 2002 to 2007 are presented here.
