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A Technical Guide for Wine Producers
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RECENT ARTICLES | WYNBOER HOME
ARC-INFRUITEC/NIETVOORBIJ STUDYING SUBTERRANEAN VINEYARD IRRIGATION
Subterranean drip irrigation is not a new concept, but in the past its application has been very disappointing as a result of root interference and blockage of drippers. With the development of new technology root interference may be prevented by using trifluralin. This non-systemic agent adsorbs to the soil surrounding drippers and prevents the roots from penetrating dripper openings.
With subterranean irrigation, water and fertiliser may therefore be applied directly to the root zone, where the plant can easily assimilate it. Subterranean irrigation as a method shows lots of potential, but thorough research is a prerequisite. Elmarie van Zyl, Dr Philip Myburgh and Robert O'Connell of ARC-Research Institute for Fruit, Vine and Wine (ARC-Infruitec/Nietvoorbij) have therefore initiated a project on the Upington experimental farm in 1998, evaluating various subterranean irrigation systems with regard to effective water consumption. In addition, the effect of subterranean irrigation on vineyard performance will be studied. The project will be concluded in 2005.
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Water for irrigation purposes is becoming scarcer and pricier by the day. The result is heightened emphasis on the effective application of available water. With huge potential damage to drip and micro irrigation systems as a result of flooding, full surface flood irrigation is still commonly used on vineyards in the interior of the Below Orange River area. However, flood irrigation is estimated to be 60% efficient, which means that almost half the water applied does not end up in the soil. This figure is much lower than the estimated 90% and 80% respectively for drip and micro irrigation. The problem can possibly be eliminated by using subterranean irrigation, which offers high system efficiency with regard to utilisation of water.
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