Influence of green covers on yield of the table grape variety Niagara Rosada. In order to evaluate the possibility of replacing the traditionally used mulch by cover cropping (green manuring species) in the inter-row strip, maintaining its productivity, two experiments were carried out in Indaiatuba and Jundiaí, SP, Brazil, from 1999/00 to 2003/04, with the table grape variety Niagara Rosada. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and six treatments: no weeded; spontaneous local vegetation cutting; usual mulch of Brachiaria decumbens (check) and three other treatments with cover crops Avena strigosa, Lathyrus sativus and Lupinus albus, from March to October, followed by Mucuna deeringiana from October to March. Productivity, the number and the weight of cluster of grape were evaluated. The medium values were compared by using the Duncan test at 5% of significance. According to the average of the years, the results of all characteristics observed in the treatments with the green cover were similar ou more favorable than those ones using mulch cover. This leads to the conclusion that it is possible to cultivate green manure crops in the inter-rows of a grape vineyard instead of the mulch, without any negative interference on productivity of the grapevine.
Vitis spp; cultural practices; soil management and conservation; production systems
