Definition: Cover crop

Fodder crops of grasses and legumes deliberately sown between rows of vines. The root system of this cover crop is deep enough to combat erosion on sloping vineyards and provides a good supply of organic matter that is beneficial to the vines. A cover crop reduces the amount of water in the soil, which can be beneficial during periods of heavy rainfall. Conversely, during periods of drought, this competition can be harmful, to the point where the cover crop must be buried.