Vineyard –Cover Crops- Sowing time
A traditional pure grass sowing in vineyards is neither up-to-date nor a healthy option in terms of the sustainable production of first class wine, NZ relies on in order to compete with the world market.
The secret to future success is taking care of a vital part in the growing system- the soil..
This doesn`t mean changing the conventional production method into the organic production system is a must, but sowing interrow cover-crops is one way to increase a healthy production of grapes with the help of nature.
Understood as a long term project, depending on your financial situation, you can start with 10-20% of cover-crop interrow sowing, alternating your rows each year.
General list benefits Cover Crops
Reduction of soil erosion
Addition of organic matter to soil
Weed suppression
Improved soil structure and water penetration, enhanced soil microbial population
Improved traction
N fixing Clover- Biomass
Prima gland clover
Insectary Blends
Conservation, ecosystem restoration, reducing risk associated with monocultures, increased beneficial insects for pollination, natural pest and disease control
Pure Buckwheat
Example spring sowing
have a look at the list of seed that could go into your mix.
Biomass seed mix
Mustard
Plantain
Lucerne
Barley
Brome
Cocksfoot
Fescue
Oats
Ryegrass
Insectary seed mix
Alyssum
Annual Clover
Borage
Buckwheat
Chamomile
Chicory
Blue Lupin
Mustard
Phacelia
Poppies
Yarrow
Herbs
Example autumn sowing
Have a look at the list of seed that could go into your mix.
Biomass seed mix
Annual Clover
Sub Clover
Barley
Brome
Cocksfoot
Fescue
Oats
Ryegrass
Insectary seed mix
Alyssum
Blue Lupins
Chicory
Clover
Mustard
Poppies
Phacelia
Yarrow