Practical applications of precision viticulture in Australia

• Published in: Acta horticulturae no. 978; pp. 37 - 46
• Main Authors: Newson, D.N, Ratcliff, A.R, Freckleton, J.C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Society for Horticultural Science 01.01.2013
• Subjects: anthocyanins; canopy; fertilizers; harvesting; irrigation management; irrigation systems; mulches; pests; phenolic compounds; soil depth; vigor; vines; vineyards; viticulture; wines; South Australia
• ISSN: 0567-7572
• DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.978.2

Trials utilising Plant Cell Density (PCD) mapping techniques have led to findings of high levels of vineyard variability, including yield equivalent per vine variations from 1 to 30 t/ha within a single block. Baume ranges of 13.5 °Bé to greater than 18.5 °Bé representing up to 21% variation from the mean and as much as 37% variation across the range, within a single block. Other measureable berry attributes such as phenolics and anthocyanins often referred to as indicators of quality, showed a significant range of variation also. These findings have led to the development of split harvesting techniques and an improvement in the quality of the finished harvest sample. Further refinements in techniques used have led to ongoing quality increases in both harvest samples as well as financial savings of $400/t or $3,150/ha. PCD mapping has also been utilised to help identify and manage pest and disease hot spots, zoning for the targeted application of mulch and nutrient fertilisers, targeted canopy management. In 2007 The Yalumba Wine Company established a premium vineyard in the Coonawarra Wine Region of South Australia utilising knowledge in soil depth and vigour relationships and overlaying these with PCD maps, the block was sectioned and then irrigation system was specifically developed to match these zones. This development has so far led to irrigation management flexibility, that has resulted in 30% water savings, and evenness in canopy and fruit load across the block.