Grassy and Herbaceous Interrow Cover Crops in European Vineyards: A Review of Their Short-Term Effects on Water Management and Regulating Ecosystem Services

Interrow management in vineyards significantly contributes to sustainable viticulture, particularly in water-scarce European regions. Grassy and herbaceous cover crops have been proven to enhance multiple regulating ecosystem services, including soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and improved water infiltration. However, the potential for water competition with vines necessitates region-specific approaches. This review aims to analyze the effects of different cover crop types and interrow tillage methods on water management and regulating ecosystem services, focusing on main European vineyard areas. The research involved a two-stage literature review by Google Scholar and Scopus, resulting in the identification of 67 relevant scientific publications, with 11 offering experimental data from European contexts. Selected studies were evaluated based on climate conditions, soil properties, slope characteristics, and interrow treatments. Findings highlight that the appropriate selection of cover crop species, sowing and mowing timing, and mulching practices can optimize vineyard resilience under climate stress. Practical recommendations are offered to help winegrowers adopt cost-effective and environmentally adaptive strategies, especially on sloped or shallow soils, where partial cover cropping is often the most beneficial for both yield and ecological balance. Cover crops and mulching reduce erosion, enhance vineyard soil moisture, relieve water stress consequences, and, as a result, these cover cropping techniques can improve yield and nutritional values of grapes (e.g., Brix, pH, K concentration), but effects vary; careful, site-specific, long-term management is essential for best results.