In 2023, a survey was distributed to BC Perennial Row Crop Producers to gauge their familiarity with and interest in BMPs like inter-row cover cropping. The survey gathered valuable insights into how growers perceive adopting this practice’s potential benefits and challenges.
Tree Fruit
The BC Fruit Grower’s Association is leading field research in BC’s tree fruit sector. In partnership with growers, they are trialling inter-row cover cropping, using cover crops within drive rows. Inter-row cover cropping referred to in this work includes any vegetation grown in orchard rows deliberately planted and maintained, whether planted annually in the fall and/or spring or maintained perennially. Historically, many producers planted cover crops to improve soil quality, reduce erosion and provide nutrients to crops. Still, the practice of actively planting and managing cover crops is not well established in the BC orchard sector. This BMP may be important in reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases and promoting carbon sequestration by storing atmospheric carbon (CO2) in plant stems, roots and the soil.
Tree Fruit 2023 Survey Summary
Berries
The BC Blueberry Council and the Raspberry Industry Development Council are leading field research for BC’s berry sector. In partnership with producers, they are trialling inter-row cover cropping practices. Using inter-row cover cropping practices could be economically significant for growers, contributing to reduced fertilizer costs. These BMPs may also be important in reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) and promoting carbon sequestration by storing atmospheric carbon (CO2) in plant stems, roots and the soil. Understanding berry producers’ thoughts about water conservation and willingness to enhance irrigation systems to support cover crop establishment will provide additional insights into the potential barriers to implementing and successfully establishing cover crops in dry growing regions or during dry years.
Blueberries and Raspberries 2023 Survey Summary
Wine Grapes
The BC Wine Grape Council is leading field research for BC’s wine grape sector. It is trialling inter-row and under-vine cover cropping practices in partnership with producers.
Using inter-row and under-vine cover cropping practices could be economically significant for growers, contributing to reduced fertilizer costs. These BMPs may also be important in reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) and promoting carbon sequestration by storing atmospheric carbon (CO2) in plant stems, roots and the soil. Understanding wine grape producers’ attitudes about water conservation and inclination towards enhancing irrigation systems to support cover crop establishment will provide additional insights into the potential barriers to implementing and successfully establishing cover crops in dry growing regions or during dry years.
Wine Grapes 2023 Survey Summary
Hazelnuts
The BC Hazelnut Growers Association is leading field research for BC’s hazelnut sector. In partnership with producers, they are trialling the practice of inter-row cover cropping. In this context, inter-row cover cropping includes any deliberately planted and maintained vegetation grown in hazelnut rows, whether planted annually in the fall and/or spring or maintained perennially. Historically, many producers planted cover crops to improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and provide nutrients to crops.
