AGRONOMY
Data driven vine management Precision soil analysis and satellite imagery are shortening the time needed to assess a site while improving management for the long-term. At roughly £30,000 per hectare, planting a vineyard is not for the faint hearted but proper preparation and clever use of data can at least ensure it is money spent wisely. Data of the sort provided by precision farming service RHIZA has been used by farmers for the efficient production of crops such as wheat and potatoes for many years. The value it provides is increasingly being utilised by vine growers because it brings management into the modern age. Data generation and analysis of the sort used in viticulture falls into two categories, explains Ben Foster, RHIZA account manager. “There are those that inform the direction of thinking beginning with site assessment through to planting and those that enable the efficient use of inputs for the maintenance of healthy and productive vines,” added Mr Foster. Initial assessments such as electro conductivity testing allow for subsequent soil testing and provide a detailed assessment of the variation within a parcel of land. Once a site is identified and entered on to the RHIZA platform, historical weather data specific to that location dating back to 2017 is immediately available. This information is considered alongside altitude, aspect and wind exposure to determine frost risk.
> Different colours are used to highlight contrasts in soil texture and nutrient status at varying depths based on the requirements of the user
“Frost is the single biggest threat to vines. Having accurate data going back several years is invaluable when assessing site potential,” Mr Foster said. Having completed the initial scoping exercise, more detailed assessments are undertaken. “Fields are then ‘zoned’ into blocks on average of half-hectare management zones based on the soil scanning results. These areas are subjected to intensive soil sampling to establish the levels of phosphate, potash, magnesium and pH of the
> Electro conductivity testing enables the soil to be zoned, based on soil texture and nutrient status
38
soil. A laser texture analysis provides a definitive assessment of the sand, silt, and clay ratios for the soil in a given zone. “Other measurements, such as soil organic matter and calcium status are also of value as this influences moisture holding capacity and nutrient availability,” he added. “If you want a vineyard to last 20 years, you need to understand the soil you’re working with. It determines the rootstock to be used and influences variety of grape. Making good on bad
