Evaluating the effects of intercrop management on weeds and soil aggregate stability during the establishment of semihardy grapevines in southern Quebec

Abstract

Living mulches from resident vegetation or intercrops could be used to control weeds and partially alleviate soil erosion during vineyard establishment in Quebec. However, their impact on grapevine yield and fruit quality is poorly documented. Growing semihardy grapevines is a challenge in southern Quebec as winter protection is necessary. Winter protection is provided either by hilling or by geotextiles and these methods determine what type of living mulch can be grown. Annual plant species are best suited for the former method, while perennial species are compatible with the latter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two grass living mulches (annual and perennial) on weed control and diversity, soil aggregate stability, vine growth, and fruit quality in comparison with cultivation and an unmanaged (weedy) control during vineyard establishment. The cultivation treatment was the most efficient weed control method and decreased weed species richness and diversity in comparison with intercrops. Maintaining a living mulch in the interrow, however, helped preserve soil aggregate stability better than cultivation did. Vine yield and fruit quality were not affected by any interrow weed management method. Consequently, the use of living mulches is a promising alternative to cultivation in the interrow during vineyard establishment in Quebec, Canada.