Page 39 - Grapevine May-June 2020
P. 39
Around The Vineyard
irrigation system. These practices address three and plugged emitters. Replacing plugged emit-
issues found with the irrigation systems in this proj- ters was also associated with higher DU scores.
ect. System performance was affected by plugging Although most growers reported inspecting lines
from particulates, plugging due to water quality and replacing plugged emitters, it was apparent
issues and problems with pressures. from the DU evaluations that some growers were
more aggressive in their replacement programs
Some practices one would expect to be associat- than others. Other recommended practices include
ed with system performance did not stand out as using a nylon to capture debris for inspection when
being important. Frequency of drip hose flushing flushing hoses, cracking open emitters to look for
was one such practice. This suggest that the flush- particulates, slimes, or calcification and cleaning or
ing events were not long enough to clear built up replacing blinded over screen washers in riser tees.
material from the hose. During DU evaluations
substantial amounts of material were found at the Waiting until an emitter is completely plugged is
end of hoses even in vineyards where flushing lines too late from a DU point of view. A fully functioning
multiple times per year was reported. The impli- emitter should drip constantly. It should look like
cation is that flushing for longer periods of time a continuous flow. Irrigation systems with plugging
or even more frequently is required before flush- problems will have few if any emitters that look like
ing will have a positive impact on maintaining DU this indicating that lines and emitters need to be
scores. replaced and the filtration system is inadequate or
failing due to damage or poor maintenance.
Having a system for identifying problems is asso-
ciated with a higher DU score. The most common Filtration can prevent plugging from particulates
system was visual inspection of lines when starting pumped up from the well like sand or silt. Filters
up the system and immediately repairing blowouts experience wear and tear like any other part of the
Stop by & see us at...
The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium
Booth C1313
February 4-6, 2020
877-892-5332 The Grapevine • May - June 2020 Page 37
Grapevine Main Pages GV050620_Layout 1-1 .indd 37 4/28/20 1:21 PM
