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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #188714
Title: WATER AND NUTRIENT COMPETITION WITH COVER CROPS IN WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS

Author
item Schreiner, Roger - Paul
item SWEET, REBECCA - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/14/2005
Publication Date: 12/1/2005
Citation: Schreiner, R.P., Sweet, R. 2005. Water and nutrient competition with cover crops in Willamette Valley vineyards. Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research Proceedings. p.82-85.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Little is known about appropriate cover crops for use in cool climate Oregon vineyards. It is estimated that 50-75% of Oregon vineyards are now tilling at least alternate vineyard alleys in order to 1) reduce water stress 2) increase vineyard canopy temperatures and 3) increase nutrient availability. Because many vineyards are situated on steep hillsides, frequent tillage will likely result in increased soil erosion, decreased soil quality and potential pollution of watersheds. The focus of this research is to identify various cover crop mixtures that will minimize drawbacks and maximize benefits of using cover crops in vineyard alleys as an alternative to tillage. In September 2003 we applied seven cover crop treatments in a randomized block design at two commercial vineyards in the Northern Willamette Valley. Treatments are: clean cultivated, resident vegetation, sub-clovers, perennial grasses, cereals, native grasses, and native forbs plus grasses. Volumetric soil water content was monitored throughout the growing season and revealed decreasing trends in all treatments. Pruning weights were low at both sites in the cereal treatment in 2004. Fine root density was higher in the vine row than in the alley at both sites at harvest but at only one site at bloom. Mycorrhizal colonization (arbuscules) was higher in the vine row than in the alley at both sites at bloom and at one site at harvest. No differences were observed between treatments in soil water content, vine water stress, fruit yield, or juice quality. Analysis of tissue nutrients and canopy temperatures will be conducted this fall.