Green manure

green manuring (GB)

culture de couverture, enherbement (F)

coltura da copertura (I)

Form of cultivation in the vineyard by sowing plants; see under cover crop.

Term for the deliberate sowing and/or allowing of suitable plants in the vineyard between the rows of v ines. This measure is almost obligatory within the framework of organic viticulture in organic or integrated plant protection. A cover crop protects against erosion, favours 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 drainage and thus optimal water balance, reduces nitrate leaching, causes lower susceptibility to diseases such as chlorosis, fungal diseases, stem par alysis and coulure, reduces the amount of mineral fertiliser required and creates food supply for beneficial insects and birds.

Begrünung zwischen den Rebzeilen, Lupinen (Wolfs/Feigbohne)

Advantages and possible disadvantages

Last but not least, it is more convenient to walk through the vineyards regardless of the weather conditions, especially during the grape harvest, and it is easier to drive through the vineyards when they are tended by machines. However, these advantages can only be achieved through the targeted use of the most suitable plants. Possible disadvantages are excessive water consumption and higher...

Full text

Voices of our members

The Wine lexicon helps me to keep up to date and refresh my knowledge. Thank you for this Lexicon that will never end in terms of topicality! That's what makes it so exciting to come back often.
Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden

Welcome back!

Green manure

cover crop

Advantages and possible disadvantages

Voices of our members

The world's largest Lexicon of wine terms.

EVENTS NEAR YOU