Study

Labile organic matter, aggregates, and stratification ratios in a semiarid vineyard with cover crops

  • Published source details Peregrina F., Larrieta C., Ibáñez S. & García-Escudero E. (2010) Labile organic matter, aggregates, and stratification ratios in a semiarid vineyard with cover crops. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 74, 2120-2130.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Soil: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland
  1. Soil: Plant or maintain ground cover in orchards or vineyards

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2004–2008 in a vineyard in northern Spain found more organic matter and nitrogen, and higher stability, in soils with cover crops, compared to conventional tillage, between the vine rows. Organic matter: More organic carbon was found in soils with cover crops, compared to conventional tillage, in three of eight comparisons (three of four comparisons at 0–5 cm depth: 8–20 vs 6 g C/kg soil). Nutrients: More nitrogen was found in soils with cover crops, compared to conventional tillage, in three of eight comparisons (0–2.5 cm: 99–107 vs 21 mg N-NH4/kg soil; 15–25 cm: 25 vs 12). Soil erosion and aggregation: Higher stability was found in soils with cover crops, compared to conventional tillage, in two of eight comparisons (0–2.5 cm depth: 37–42% vs 12% of aggregates were water-stable). Methods: There were three plots (three vine rows/plot) for each of two cover crops (sown Festuca longifolia grass or resident vegetation between the vine rows), and there were three control plots (conventional tillage between the vine rows: cultivator, 0–15 cm depth, every 4–6 weeks). No plots were fertilized, but herbicide was used under the vine rows. Soil samples were collected in June 2008 (six augers/plot, 0–25 cm depth).

     

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