Measuring the effect of cover crops and soil and vine health, and grape quality

PROJECT TITLE:    Measuring the effect of cover crops on soil and vine health, and grape quality

Project leader:       Annika Pienaar (ExperiCo)

Contact:                     annika@experico.co.za

Duration:                   1 May 2023 – 31 August 2025

Problem identification and project objectives:

With increased interest in more sustainable farming practices, more research is being done on the use of cover crops in agricultural systems. Despite the numerous benefits reported with the use of cover crops, it remains a controversial practice as research has shown varying results in terms of competition with crops for resources. Growers in semiarid areas also prefer to make use of temporary cover crops that are terminated or that die out before the summer to prevent potential competition for water resources. Local cover crop trials have recently been conducted in vineyards, focusing on cover crop mix success, cover crop biomass and weed suppression. The aim of this project is to build on this knowledge and investigate the effect of cover crops on soil health and grapevines. The viability of growing cover crops under the vine and growing permanent cover crops will also be investigated.
This project will provide the industry with crucial information to fill the knowledge gaps about the selection of cover crops to improve the properties and ecology of soil in vineyards. The use of the right cover crop mix can increase soil moisture, improve soil structure, suppress weeds and pests, increase plant-available nutrients and improve crop resilience. This in turn reduces irrigation, pesticide and fertilizer costs. Analysis of nematode communities will also add to the knowledge base of nematode host status of cover crop species. Care will be taken to include cover crops that will have a suppressive effect on inoculum and infestation levels of pathogens and/or pests.