cover crop

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Term for the deliberate sowing and/or allowing of suitable plants in the vineyard between the rows of vines. This measure is almost obligatory in organic viticulture for organic plant protection, but is also used by many conventional winegrowers. According to estimates, around 70 to 90% of vineyards in some growing regions in Germany are planted with greenery. In Austria, the proportion is also high.

Begrünung zwischen den Rebzeilen, Gelbe Lupine

Picture left: cover crop between the rows of vines; picture right: yellow lupin, wolf bean, fig bean (Lupinus luteus)

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A cover crop protects against erosion, promotes the formation of humus, enriches the microbiological soil composition with organic nutrients, creates positive water competition with the vines and thus reduces yields, ensures better water storage and water drainage and thus an optimal water balance, reduces nitrate leaching, reduces susceptibility to chlorosis, fungal diseases, stem rot and coulure, reduces the amount of mineral fertiliser required and creates a food supply for beneficial insects and birds. Biodiversity (species diversity with small organisms) is promoted by cover crop.

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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)

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cover crop

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