2.2.4.e Establishing a natural spontaneously grown grass cover

What plants grow naturally on the plot and are they suitable as cover crops?

Here, the question to ask is: do the plants that grow naturally on my plot meet the cover crop criteria? Climbing plants are not an option. Care should also be taken to choose plants that do not compete with the vine for water and nutrients. Consequently, all plant species present on the plot need to be identified.

Quadrat sampling is a method commonly used in ecology to isolate an area for population study. A square of 1 m2 made up of 4 equal sticks is used to mark off a specific area so that the population within it can be counted and identified. It is very easy to set up but is time-consuming and can be subject to errors of judgement.

What time of year is best to establish spontaneous grass cover?

Spontaneous grassing can be implemented all year round but some periods, such as winter, hold fewer risks for the vine. During its winter dormancy, the plant does not require any particular care. Grass cover is instrumental for water resource management as it enables water to better penetrate the soil thereby topping up the soil's water reserves throughout the winter months.
The cover crop only competes with the vine for water when the flowering period begins, as they lose water due to transpiration. If this occurs when the vine is particularly vigorous, the grass cover must be controlled if it is to be left in place all year long. There is a greater water stress on grassed vines compared to ungrassed vines until the colour change occurs then it evens out afterwards. A grass cover crop is therefore a useful tool to channel the vigor of a vine at the beginning of the cycle.
On a soil that lacks water, competition can very quickly become intense.

How to control its development during the year?

Spontaneous grassing has the great advantage of being inexpensive since it does not require seeding. Moreover, naturally planted species are, by definition, adapted to the climate and the soil. However, it still requires monitoring and its development within the plot must be managed. To achieve this, regular mowing or light soil work (light ploughing, hilling/de-hilling) throughout the vegetative cycle is easily implemented. It is also possible to flatten the plant cover by using a grass roller. The species of grass present and their properties as well as crop management techniques specific to the plot in question (soil structure, available tools) will influence the course of action.