Review. Precision viticulture. Research topics, challenges and opportunities in site-specific vineyard management

J Arnó,M Ribes Dasi,J.R Rosell,J.A Martínez Casasnovas

doi:10.5424/sjar/2009074-1092

J Arnó, M Ribes Dasi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2009074-1092

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Abstract

Precision Viticulture (PV) is a concept that is beginning to have an impact on the wine-growing sector. Its practical implementation is dependant on various technological developments: crop sensors and yield monitors, local and remote sensors, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), VRA (Variable-Rate Application) equipment and machinery, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and systems for data analysis and interpretation. This paper reviews a number of research lines related to PV. These areas of research have focused on four very specific fields: 1) quantification and evaluation of within-field variability, 2) delineation of zones of differential treatment at parcel level, based on the analysis and interpretation of this variability, 3) development of Variable-Rate Technologies (VRT) and, finally, 4) evaluation of the opportunities for site-specific vineyard management. Research in these fields should allow winegrowers and enologists to know and understand why yield variability exists within the same parcel, what the causes of this variability are, how the yield and its quality are interrelated and, if spatial variability exists, whether site-specific vineyard management is justifiable on a technical and economic basis.

Highlights

The application of Precision Agriculture (PA) techniques in viticulture is relatively recent
The most relevant aspects which need to be taken into consideration include efficient use of inputs, differentiation of various grape qualities at grape harvest time, yield prediction and greater precision and efficiency of samplings conducted at parcel level (Bramley, 2001b; Bramley and Lamb, 2003; Martínez-Casasnovas and Bordes, 2005)
What type of variability are we referring to and how can it be measured? How can this variability be analysed and interpreted? What is the available technology? Is the application of PA advisable, from an environmental and economic point of view, in viticulture? Below, we look at the most relevant results from the research undertaken in PV and some of the possible answers to the above questions

Summary

Introduction

The application of Precision Agriculture (PA) techniques in viticulture is relatively recent. Bramley and Hamilton (2004), two of the most important researchers in the field of Precision Viticulture in Australia, affirm that successful implementation of PV will only be feasible given certain conditions: a) if the spatial variation of the yield is repeated with a certain degree of stability year after year; b) if the causes that give rise to the variability are identified; and, of fundamental importance, c) if these causes can be dealt with on a differential basis (site-specific management) within the parcel.

Results

Conclusion