Page 58 - Grapevine SeptOct 2021
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Around The Vineyard
“Cover crops improve the soil structure by punching
big holes into it with their roots. When those roots
decompose, they stabilize the aggregates so those
macro pores stay there a long time and can actually
reverse compaction.” In comparison, tillage breaks
up the macros, thus shredding all the organic mat-
ter that’s connecting and holding the soil together.
How to Choose Cover Crops
At the second panel on cover crops, “Digging
Deeper into Cover Crops: What’s Happening in
Oregon?” Gordon Jones, Assistant Professor, OSU,
Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center,
delved into the myriad ways to utilize cover crops
in the vineyard. Before planting, Jones recommends
that growers clearly define their goals. Is their
intention to increase production or profitability,
particles and organic matter that hold nutrients in improve soil health or appeal to consumers looking
the soil. for wines made using sustainable means? When
viewed in conjunction with a given vineyard’s par-
For every 1% increase in organic matter, soil can ticular climate and soil, these goals will inform the
store up to 25,000 more gallons of water per acre. type of cover crops that would lead to optimal
In Cassidy’s estimation, cover crops represent results.
the easiest way to add organic matter to the soil.
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