In years when irrigation is necessary, growers usually irrigate without any measurements of the water stress of the vine, the amount of water in the soil and the period when and how much to irrigate. Therefore, our goal was to optimize irrigation, to check the optimal amount of added water, so that at the same time we still maintain the vine in mild drought stress, which is later reflected in the better quality of red grapes / wine. We irrigated with two different amounts of water, in such a way that we maintained 50 and 30 percent of the total net water deficit, which the application calculates when precipitation is deducted from the evaporating water (i.e., evapotranspiration). The results so far show in favor of irrigating above ground with 7 liters of water per m2. With this method of adding water, the most optimal ratio between mild drought stress and grape quality was shown. At the same time, irrigation above ground, compared to non-irrigation and irrigation underground, had the best effect on reducing severe to excessive drought stress of the vine. For a more detailed picture of the influence of water quantity and irrigation method, additional analyzes will be performed (yield, grape / wine polyphenols and sensory analyzes of produced wines), but preliminary experimental results show a 4 to 13% increase in grape size, consequently yield, which would constitute the economic viability of this measure.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 5587451At a time when wine quality is of great importance, grape production is also increasingly shaped by climate change. High temperatures and uneven distribution of rainfall during the growing season often lead to water shortages in vineyards and consequent drought stress in vines. In the future, we can expect even more frequent periods of drought. Drought stress usually negatively affects the growth, development of the vine and the chemical composition of grapes and wine. At the same time, research shows that a smaller water deficit can improve the quality of grapes, which can be used as a technological manipulation for the target quality of grapes. Of course, if we want to understand the response of the vine to the chosen factor, a holistic approach is needed, which includes many years of research in the field or in the greenhouse combined with in-depth studies and advanced laboratory tests. For example, if we want to understand the impact of irrigation on the composition of grapes on a selected wine variety at a particular location, many factors that can influence research results need to be considered; especially precipitation, other weather conditions during the year, the soil plays an important role, as well as technological measures on the vine. Researchers therefore face complex issues, which must also include the effects of biological variability of varieties, soils, locations and viticultural measures and technologies.
C.07 Other editorial board
COBISS.SI-ID: 5609723