Post on 31-Dec-2015
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Simple Approach to Water Conservation
If the soil is wet enough in the root zone don’t irrigate.
Where are the roots taking up water?
How wet is the soil there?
How wet is wet enough?
Optimal Irrigation Goals*
• Best possible grape quality
• Negligible or positive impact on yield
• Minimal water use, pumping energy
Grape Quality Improves whenVines are water stressed.
Premium Quality production andWater Conservation are compatible.
*Napa County
Irrigation Decision Process
Grower, Vineyard Manager
or Irrigation Consultant
Vine Stress(Leaf Water Potential)
Soil Moisture Tension
Water Supply Budget
Weather Forecast
Quality/Yield GoalsAge of Vines, Vigor
Weather History ETc
Root DepthSoil Type/Profile(Water transport/holding characteristics)
Shoot tip visuals
Durations,Intervals
Cultivar/RootStock
Soil moisture Tension profile,
Vapor Pressure Deficit
Gallons/vine
Vine StressTarget
Application Logistics
Controlled Stress Irrigation (CSI)
Estimating Vine Stress Using Easily Monitored External Parameters
M.Holler ASEV Poster 2007
Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 58:2 (2007)
Monitoring
• Many systems are available
• All can measure soil moisture and weather.
• Web access to real time data
• Alerts to cell phone
• Costs dropping <$1K/station now with sensors
Block to Block Variation
6 week difference in start times
3x difference in Irr. Frequency
Target 24-36” SMT= 150cBar
Conclusion
• Know where and how much water is in your soil
• You will use less water
• Soil Moisture Monitoring is key– Its getting to be inexpensive and
convenient