The Multifunctional Role of Legumes in Vineyards and Orchards

In frame of the research project TA04020464 “Different ways of vineyard greening and management and their influence on reduction of soil erosion and quality of production”, various species of legumes have been studied as cover-crop mixtures. The main aim of the research is to recommend the best mixtures for the use in vineyards and orchards in both organic and integrated crop production. Based on two years evaluation of five mixtures in six localities, it can be concluded that the best results were obtained by winter mixture, and perennial mixture for dry conditions, and annual mixture for fast greening. These three mixtures comply with the requirement of fast vegetation-cover establishment after sowing, and thus significantly reduce the erosion.