Green manure mix cover crop in Sacramento County vineyard. (photo by Chuck Ingels)

Chuck Ingels (UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento County) compared the effects of several cover crop mixes in a Sacramento County vineyard in his project, Effects of Cover Crops on a Vineyard Ecosystem in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. Results showed that cover crops have little if any effect on fruit yield or quality. However, in some cases, a native grass cover may reduce vine vigor. This study also showed that growers should be cautious with the use of clovers, to which pocket gophers were strongly attracted. As confirmed by other cover crop research, the choice of cover crop species, and attentive management of the cover are critical components of developing a successful system. Full Project Report.