Cover crops

Implementation

Short term

Sustainability components

  • GHG emissions
  • Air quality
  • Soil
  • Water
  • Biodiversity
  • Animal welfare
  • Economic
  • Social
  • Technical feasibility

Climate risk region

Southern
Southern

Weather event addressed

Floods / Heavy rainfall
Winter
Drought
Spring

Farming system

FRUITS & VINEYARDS
Vineyards

Description of the measure

Use of cover crops for increasing organic matter: spontaneous or sown, in winter (in rainfed vineyards) or permanent

Comments on sustainability

The composition, technique and management in each farm is very heterogeneous due to soil and local conditions, especially in rainfed Mediterranean conditions. Testing and demonstration is needed at a local scale for promoting its use. It increases organic matter and nutrients availability. It fixes carbon at soil. It improves the soil structure and avoids erosion. Benefits for biodiversity, since it provides food and shelter for useful fauna.