Impact of cover crops and their termination method on weed control in organic vineyards

Abstract

Cover crops are a sustainable agricultural practice that can provide multiple ecosystem services such as reducing erosion, improving water infiltration, managing weeds, and retaining nitrogen. The appropriate species and termination method are key challenges to successfully implement cover crops. The objective of this study is to determine which cover crop species and termination method are most suitable for Mediterranean vineyards (Vitis vinifera) and their potential to control weeds. To achieve the proposed objectives, an experiment was set up in two organic vineyards located in Raimat (Lleida, NE Spain) to test the effect of cover crop termination method (roller-crimper or shredder) of two cover crop species (Triticale and Phacelia tanacetifolia, sown on late October 2022), on weed emergence and cover persistence during the summer. The preliminary findings suggest that triticale exhibits superior cover establishment and, consequently, more effective weed control throughout the entire cropping season. In contrast, P. tanacetifolia and the control exhibit more competitive summer weed species. Additionally, shredded cover crops displayed fewer summer weeds compared to those flattened with a roller-crimper.