Species selection for flowering inter-rows to vineyards and orchards

When applying flowering inter-row vegetation, one can choose from existing commercial mixtures or compose a mixture specifically designed for one’s site and needs. If so, selecting the right species is crucial.

A handful of traits must be considered, but the main requirement is that it does not hamper agricultural production. For this, the height and soil covering ability of a species are key traits. The set of sown species must be capable of suppressing most weeds without causing excessive competition for the crop.

If the aim is to have a mixture that will work in various circumstances, wild-spread generalist species are needed. Such species across most of temperate Europe include white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), black medic (Medicago lupulina), crown vetch (Securigera varia) or wild carrot (Daucus carota).

These species are often cultivated as forage or medicinal plantsand are readily available at reasonable cost. However, sowing of ecotypes may be more advisable from a conservation biological perspective.

Since grass-based mixtures can sometimes lead to measurable competition to the wine or fruit trees, the grass species used must be carefully selected. Preferred species are tussock-forming grasses with rather low vigour.

Beyond species selection, the ratio of different life cycles is also important. Short-lived (annual and biennial) species’ role is to gain control of the vegetation development right after sowing.

Perennial species ensure the longevity of the cover crop vegetation in subsequent years. To achieve this, the proportion of short-lived species should usually be between 20–40% depending on site characteristics.