A Simple Solution for Modern Viticulture
By: Adam Setzler
While established vineyards are hearty and may not require as much water as some other crops, growers know a steady flow of the essential resource – especially at certain times of the year – is vital for growing high quality grapes. And, we know nature doesn’t always deliver precipitation when it’s needed. On top of the stress of weather, there are so many additional challenges when it comes to managing acres of vines – labor, disease and pest prevention, pruning and harvesting, among many others. All these factors can be a lot to tackle from sunup to sundown, and some days beyond.
This is where precision farming – specifically installing and mastering the use of irrigation management tools – can provide solutions to help care for the grapes and streamline the day-to-day management of the vineyards to keep everything as simple and efficient as possible. With the use of technology, irrigation systems can be easy to navigate and provide benefits beyond creating a reliable source of water to the vineyard.
So, how can growers choose the right irrigation control system? There is a fine balance to keep. It’s important to choose the system that’s a sound investment in equipment and technology while also matching the vineyard’s management style, and of course keeping business margins in mind. Here are five priorities growers should consider when searching for the right precision irrigation automation system.
Precision
Water management is a critical concern for growers, especially with increasing environmental and regulatory pressures. According to the USDA, agriculture consumes approximately 80% of the nation’s water supply, and traditional irrigation systems are responsible for significant inefficiencies, with up to 50% of water lost due to evaporation, runoff or overwatering. That’s why it’s important for growers to choose an irrigation control system like Toro’s Tempus Ag that can deliver water in the most precise way, making every drop count. Controlling the water and being able to irrigate when and where it’s needed most gives growers a double benefit – environmental sustainability and more cost-effective operations.
Some irrigation automation systems have smart scheduling capability – the ability to manage and adjust the irrigation system in real-time from a smartphone, tablet or computer – which will help growers keep water usage precise. Other equipment that will help make an irrigation system even more precise are soil moisture monitors, rain sensors and air temperature sensors. When looking for the right irrigation control system, growers should make sure the system they choose supports all the additional technology they want to incorporate. While tools like soil monitors and weather sensors may seem like extra bells and whistles that aren’t needed, they provide important information so growers can make data-driven decisions and get the most out of the investment into an irrigation automation system.
By reducing unnecessary water use and streamlining irrigation practices with precision technology, growers will conserve water, lower energy costs, and improve the sustainability of their operations, ultimately boosting productivity and profitability.
Labor Efficiency
Managing a workforce can be a big part of running a vineyard. With staffing shortages and a seemingly never-ending daily to-do list, labor can be a big challenge. However, a new irrigation control system can maximize labor efficiency and reduce workforce needs, which can help many growers who are burdened by the scarcity of skilled workers. This is especially beneficial for growers who depend on manual labor for critical tasks like irrigation. Labor is also a large expense for growers. According to the USDA, hired labor accounts for approximately 12% of all farm production expenses, making labor-intensive manual irrigation a significant operational cost. Installing a precision irrigation automation system can help reduce labor and the operational costs that go with it. Plus, having digital management tools also benefits the employees who continue working in the vineyards, minimizes workers’ exposure to hazardous conditions and giving them, their families and the growers peace of mind.
Simplicity
When adding a new irrigation automation system, growers should consider how easy it is to use the new tool. Ultimately, the goal is that new technology will simplify operations, so choosing an irrigation control system with a user-friendly interface and simple design will ensure growers feel comfortable and at ease. Of course, any new system will require a little up-front time to learn and program the system, but minimizing the effort required for the set-up by selecting an easy-to-use system helps the investment pay off quickly.
Smart technologies can also make irrigation management even more simple. An irrigation control system that is accessible through a smartphone or tablet allows growers to control water usage in the vineyard any time and from anywhere. For growers who are looking for more freedom, an irrigation system that is supported by on-the-go technology is a way to know their vineyards are well cared for, even when they aren’t at home.
Reliability
Reliability is also important to consider when choosing an irrigation automation system. When it comes to getting tasks done, growers need confidence they can rely on the technology to work correctly. After all, a new investment shouldn’t make an operation harder by constantly needing repairs. Growers should go with a brand they trust – one backed by expertise and dependable services and devices. Irrigation control systems can reduce risk associated with human error and minimize the need for manual intervention, saving time and optimizing water usage, so if a grower can’t trust a system to work, they won’t reap the benefits of the investment.
Reliability goes beyond the trust factor. Growers should also consider cut-and-dry factors such as if a control system retains memory even during power outages, and how much regular system downtime is required. Choosing a system that is reliable provides a smart, sustainable approach that lets growers focus on the big picture.
Flexibility
While expansion may not be a high priority for all growers, it’s an important factor to consider when installing an irrigation automation system. Choosing a system that can be flexible and support a growing vineyard allows for a streamlined operation with endless possibilities. Making an investment in a flexible control system that can grow and change with an individual operation is imperative. It’s impossible to know what the future holds, so choosing a system that can be expanded sets a grower’s future up for success.
No matter where a vineyard is located, water management is a high priority. While there are many factors to consider when adding any type of equipment to a vineyard, growers can keep these five priorities in mind when choosing an irrigation control system to feel confident about their investment. With the help of technology, precision irrigation can reduce labor and energy costs, optimize water usage and minimize maintenance, all leading to long-term savings and increased profitability.
