Demonstration of efficient, quality focused irrigation techniques for McLaren Vale growers

Abstract

Demonstration of efficient, quality focused irrigation techniques for McLaren Vale growers

Summary

The series of vineyard sessions directed at managing irrigation to improve water use efficiency and grape quality were well attended and generated a lot of interest among Mclaren Vale growers. This reflected a strong demand from growers for extension exercises addressing irrigation management and growing winegrapes to quality specifications. The reason for this demand is threefold:

1. Irrigators in the region are restricted to 1.1 ML/ha of water for irrigation under the current water allocation plan.
2. Wineries are requiring growers to meet higher quality specifications.
3. There has been a lack of practically focused extension work carried out in the region since the rapid expansion of the industry over the last five years (planted area in McLaren Vale has doubled in the last five years seeing many new growers becoming involved in the industry.).

The sessions enabled growers to develop tools to address management issues in their own vineyards. Presentations from managers, owners and consultants at the three vineyards provided participants with an insight into how decisions on irrigation and quality management can be made. The practical, in-field approach encouraged participation and discussion and enabled the growers to relate the concepts and ideas presented to their own vineyard. The field sessions were held at flowering, veraison and just before harvest to ensure that responses to management practices and climatic influences could be observed. A number of growers reported they had implemented changes in their vineyard practices to meet with winery requirements and/or restrictions on water availability as a result of the sessions.

The focus on efficient use of water in different soil types and varieties provided important information for growers looking to conserve water. This has a direct benefit to the local environment as reduced water use will help to conserve the underground water resources, and indirectly, more efficient water use will limit environmental damage caused by irrigating with saline water. Information sessions to further develop soil moisture monitoring skills and visual assessment of grapevine attributes as they relate to water use and quality are needed to enhance skills already obtained at these workshops.

Future extension work needs to reinforce what has already been done in a way that is not repetitive but also does not exclude growers who did not participate in past sessions. It is important that growers continue to have the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and the networks established through these first sessions are encouraged and developed.