A cover crop is planted when the primary crop isn’t grown. This practice covers the soil to reduce weeds, save water, increase biodiversity, and improve soil health. Native and non-native grasses, legumes, and forbs are commonly used, and can be selected based on your conservation goals, cropping system, resources, and geographic region.

Do This If You Havecover crops between wine grapes
  • Seasonally bare soil
  • Soil erosion from wind or water
  • Poor soil health, soil fertility, and organic matter content
  • High weed pressure
  • Heavy reliance on external nutrient inputs
  • Nutrient and sediment pollution in surface and/or ground water
  • Poor air quality from particulate matter such as dust
  • Lack of beneficial soil (ex., earthworms) and aboveground organisms (ex., pollinators)