Cover crops in viticulture. A systematic review (2)

Aim: The present systematic review aims to provide an overview about the impact of cover crops on vegetative growth and productive parameters of vineyards. Methods and results: A systematic review was made using Scopus-index journals along 20 years (1999-2018). The selection was independently done by two researchers, selecting a total of 272 published papers related to cover crops in vineyard. Each article was categorized according to its theme and a metadata was created, considering all relevant information from an agronomic point of view. Conclusion: It was observed that the use of cover crops can reduce vine vegetative growth that, in turn, could be used to keep the incidence of fungal diseases at a low level, like grey mould. In general, this practice does not clearly affect vineyard yield, nor grape juice parameters like total soluble solids (TSS) or titratable acidity (TA). Cover crops can decrease to some extent vineyard pests, especially Cicadellidae. Only and punctually in the central summer months the covers can sometimes cause water stress in the vineyard. Significance of the study: This review allows to systematically synthesize the information on cover crops and their effects on vineyard agronomic performance. Thus allowing using the most suitable cover for the objectives sought in the growing conditions that are had.