Tools for management of irrigation in vineyards: an approach to farmers

Many studies that involved the effects of irrigation management in vineyards and their relationship with other cultural practices, as cover crop, had been developed widely in the last years. However, they have mainly been focused on grape production and quality of must and wine. Fewer studies have analysed in depth, how those irrigation practices could be implemented and monitored by farmers. The water scarcity, in many of the main viticulture regions in the world, necessitates of a contrast study of common irrigation tools, to achieve a maximum profit of water resources available by the farmers. In this context, this study made a revision of techniques and methods, used to follow the irrigation system performance, from the viewpoint of simplicity and reliability of application, and in economic terms. Moreover, examples of irrigation system monitoring at farm level were developed in two different climate conditions: DO Alentejo (Portugal) and DO Ribeira Sacra and DO Valdeorras (Spain), both cases referred to 2014. First location, include results of sap flow and leaf-water potential measurements in 'Tempranillo' and 'Touriga Nacional' at Herdade do Esporao vineyards, submitted to deficit irrigated management; two examples were monitored at Spanish private vineyards: GRS-Winery, with soil water sensors (content and potential) and leaf-water measures, where surface and subsurface drip irrigation were present, and finally Lar de Ricobao Winery, that showed the combined use of soil water content sensors, leaf-water measures and thermal images. Main advantages and disadvantages were summarized for irrigation tools applied in the three cases studies.