A Cover Crop and Erosion Control Field Day will be held Friday, March 19 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Shake Ridge Vineyards in Sutter Creek.

Presented by University of California Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Lynn Wunderlich, the field day will feature guest speakers, including Viticulture Advisor Glenn McGourty, who co-authored a University of California handbook, "Cover Cropping in Vineyards," and has experience with seeding covers in foothill areas.

"Many growers are interested in using cover crops to reduce soil erosion, build soil organic matter, and reduce grape vine vigor in their vineyards, but they do not know the appropriate species to plant, when the best time to plant them is, and how to manage them," Wunderlich said.

"Ann Kraemer, owner of Shake Ridge vineyards, has done a fantastic job of installing both competitive and non-competitive covers," added Wunderlich. "This workshop will provide growers with the basics of considering whether a cover crop is right for their site, they don't work for everyone."

Dave Steiner from Napa Valley will also speak on erosion control methods for steep vineyards.

"If a grower can not cover crop because they don't want to steal vigor from the vine, there are still erosion control methods that they can install which will protect soil sedimentation and storm water run-off," Wunderlich said. "Water quality is a major issue for growers today, and the Sacramento/Amador Water Quality Alliance and the El Dorado Agricultural Water Quality Management Corporation are both co-sponsors of the workshop and encourage their membership to attend."

There is a $5 charge to attend the field day/workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration by March 16 is required. The registration form can be found online at http://ceeldorado.ucdavis.edu/Whats_Happening_at_UCCE/. Contact Robin Cleveland at (530) 621-5528 to register by phone, for more information or directions.