Abstract

AFONSO, J.M.; MONTEIRO, A.M.; LOPES, C.M.  and  LOURENCO, J.. Cover cropping at “Vinhos Verdes” Wine Region. A three-year study in variety ‘Alvarinho’. Ciência Téc. Vitiv. [online]. 2003, vol.18, n.2, pp.47-63. ISSN 0254-0223.

In a vineyard of the variety ‘Alvarinho’ at northern Portugal, the effect of different soil management systems on flora evolution and richness, vine yield, vigour, and berry composition, was investigated. Four soil management strategies were applied: natural plant cover (RNA), chemical weed control to entire vineyard floor with foliage herbicides (HERB); soil mobilization (MOB) and natural plant cover alternated with soil mobilization (RMOB). The treatments had a significant effect on the flora species number per m². A selection of species was also observed, with an increase of the grass and legume species in the cover cropping treatment. The natural plant cover (RNA) induced a significant yield and vigour reduction due to a lower cluster and shoot weight without affecting berry composition. The RMOB treatment showed intermediate values not significantly different from other treatments. The results show the possibility of the use of the resident vegetation to control vine vigour. Nevertheless if the vigour reduction continues in the next years it can negatively affect vine longevity. In that case the use of low competition management techniques like for example the permanent natural plant cover alternated with soil mobilization seems to be a better choice.

Keywords : cover crops; foliar herbicide; no tillage; yield; vigour.

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