Alley cropping in vineyards

Abstract

Alley cropping consists of growing crops between rows of woody perennials and can involve many types of crops, including grapevines. In vineyard alley cropping systems, vines can sometimes be considered the overstory component, with understory crops grown between vine rows. Alternatively, vines can be considered the understory component, grown between rows of overstory trees or shrubs. This technical guide discusses the latter option:vineyard alley cropping systems in which rows of grapes are interspersed with widely spaced rows of trees or shrubs, to create an integrated system with environmental and production benefits.In any type of alley cropping system, including vineyard alley cropping systems, care must be taken to reduce competition between species for resources like water, nutrients, and light. If these resources are managed intentionally through proper planning, design, and management, alley cropping can help vineyards produce high-quality grapes, increase resilience, and provide a variety of other benefits.

Citation

Favor, K. 2025. Alley cropping in vineyards. Agroforestry Note 53. Lincoln, NE: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Agroforestry Center. Cooperative project with the California Climate Hub, International Climate Hub. 13 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/NAC-AN-53.