Precision Viticulture Flashcards
What is precision viticulture (PV)?
- a branch of precision agriculture
- utilizes data from the vineyard (soil, vine vigor, topography, plant growth)
- responds to variations from plot to plot and row to row
How is data collected for PV?
- sensors on aircraft, remote
- sensors on tractor or harvester, proximal
What technology is used to present the data collected in the form of maps?
Geospatial technology: GPS and GIS
What is variable-rate application technology in PV?
- targeted interventions based on collected data
- precise actions for pruning, leaf removal, treatments, irrigation, crop thinning, and harvesting
Examples of changes made based on the collected data?
- changing rootstock based on soil fertility
- increasing leaf-stripping in areas with high vine vigor
What are the objectives of PV?
- responding to variations in the vineyard
- producing best quality and yield
- reducing environmental impact
- lowering treatment costs
How does PV differ from the traditional approach in vineyards?
- traditional: uniform approach
- PV: data-driven and tailored interventions for each plot or row
What is the technology enabling visualization of collected data in maps?
GPS and GIS
What are some advantages of PV?
- detailed understanding of vineyard variations affecting yield and quality
- tailored interventions for improved yields and quality
What are some disadvantages of PV?
- initial cost of remote data collection
- cost of sensors, software, and consultancy for trained staff
In which types of viticulture is PV typically and option?
Large scale viticulture or on high-value, smaller estates
In which regions has PV been mostly widely used?
CA and Australia
When is PV most effective?
When the data collected is used systematically to control treatment application or irrigation rates
What is one of the main goals of PV?
To reduce variations in the vineyard
How can PV be used to benefit vineyards?
It can be used to identify different quality zones within the same vineyard and to tailor a wide range of interventions (e.g. choice of variety and rootstock, canopy management, treatments, harvest dates) to individual blocks or rows of vines, with the aim of improving yields and/or quality
