New Cover Crop Guide For Growers
Mehdi Sharifi and Trista Algar, Summerland Research & Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
In the 2024 growing season, four primary cover crop groups—nurse crops (cereals), legumes, grasses, and brassicas—were tested across five commercial vineyards as part of the SCAP Cluster Activity 4 - Vegetation Management for Long-Term Productivity and Enhanced Ecosystem Services in Canadian Semi-Arid Vineyards. Based on these trials, a practical visual factsheet has been developed to assist growers in identifying cover crop species at various growth stages. This resource equips vineyard managers with valuable information for selecting, monitoring, and managing cover crops to optimize their benefits throughout the growing season.