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Irrigation

irrigation (GB)
irrigation (F)
irrigazione (I)
irrigação (PO)
irrigación (ES)
irrigatie (N)

The supply of water in the right quantity and at the best possible time is an important prerequisite for the growth of the vines and is indispensable for photosynthesis. This takes place naturally through precipitation (rain), the required amount is usually between 500 and 750 mm per year (depending on climate, soil type and grape variety). With ideal soil conditions, however, larger amounts of precipitation can also be absorbed. In Portuguese Vinho Verde, the amount of precipitation is around 1,500 mm. In addition to the quantity, the timing also plays a major role in the course of the annual vegetation cycle. The "right" amount of water is important; too little moisture can lead to water stress or drought stress, while excessive rain can lead to excessive vegetation (foliage growth).

Bewässerung - Bewässerungsanlage im Weinberg

Rain is particularly undesirable during the grape harvest and leads to poor wine quality due to the dilution of the grape must. In extreme cases, moisture stress occurs, in which the berries swell or even burst open, causing the grape must to oxidise or, in extreme cases, ferment. A similar phenomenon is berry splitting, which presumably occurs due to excessive alternation between too much and too little water supply. In addition, too much moisture promotes infestation by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. The soil moisture is measured using a tensiometer in order to take any necessary measures. In agriculture and horticulture, tensiometers are used in the automation of irrigation systems. The amount of water can be controlled in such a way that the plants are optimally supplied with water without water and nutrients being washed out into the subsoil.

Soil quality

The soil type is crucial for a good water balance. Ideally, it should be loose and deep so that the roots can spread widely or dig deep into the soil and thus easily absorb nutrients and water. A good balance between water retention capacity and water drainage is important. Waterlogging is extremely damaging to the roots, especially after growth in spring, and leads to poor fruit set and coulure during flowering. Good water drainage can be promoted by cover crop, covering the soil with mulch or artificial drainage. The second important criterion is the water storage capacity of the subsoil, which lies below the main layer of nutrients that is penetrated by the roots. Clay is ideally suited because it retains moisture in the soil, counteracts evaporation (evaporation of water and thus drying out) and also only transfers water to the roots to a limited and measured extent.

In contrast to rain, however, dew does not contribute much to the vine's water supply. Rather, dew promotes the development of fungi - although this is usually undesirable (mildew, green rot, black rot), it is also beneficial for the production of noble sweet wines due to botrytis (noble rot). The latter often occurs (the prime example is the French Sauternes region) near bodies of water. Enrichment with water-soluble salts can lead to salinisation of the soil with a negative water balance. This means that the evaporation during the vegetation cycle (six to nine months) of a year is greater than the precipitation. In any case, measures are needed to improve the retention of rainwater. The aim is to keep net consumption to zero, i.e. not to consume more water than precipitation (can) be collected in the soil.

Artificial irrigation

Artificial irrigation of vineyards was already in use in ancient times, for example in ancient Egypt. Today, this method is absolutely essential in hot climatic countries with too little rainfall (maximum 300 mm), especially in dry summer months with the risk of drought. It is mainly used for the production of table grapes and sultanas. It is also common for newly planted vines that are not yet producing a yield. In viticulture, however, this is extremely sensitive and a hotly debated topic. The method is widely used overseas in Egypt, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Australia, Chile, Israel, California, Peru and South Africa, and in Europe in southern countries such as Greece, Spain and Portugal. In some of these countries, this is the only way to keep the vines alive and prevent drought damage, which leads to unpleasant bitter notes and acidity deficits. The negative result is often fruity but undemanding mass wines produced in large quantities.

Bewässerung - Tropfberegnung

A common form of irrigation is drip irrigation, in which drops of water are released from hoses permanently installed in the ground at adjustable intervals at perforated points on all vines. Fertigation (drip fertilisation) is also used here. A second form is flooding, in which water from a channel is channelled between the rows of vines and seeps away. However, there is also a targeted restrictive water supply using the following techniques Partial rootzone drying (partial rootzone drying) and regulated deficit irrigation.

Wine law requirements

The EU allows its member states to make their own regulations to achieve the optimum quality of quality wines: "Irrigation of vineyards must always be aimed at improving quality and is only possible if the environmental conditions justify it". However, this is a relatively imprecise regulation that is almost impossible to measure or monitor. In countries such as Germany and Austria, the methods are regulated specifically for each wine-growing region and here the focus is usually on increasing quality.

Further information

For the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), distillation (distillates), spirits (types), winemaking (wines and wine types) and wine law (wine law issues). All work and aids in the vineyard during the vegetation cycle are listed under vineyard care.

Irrigation system: Netzteam Meyer Zwimpfer AG
Drip irrigation: BayWA AG

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