Page 54 - Grapevine NovDec 2021

Around The Vineyard

ening, they could save 38% of irrigation water and effect of different irrigation amounts on the plant
increase the aromas of the grapes. physiology and berry quality of Cabernet Sauvignon
grown in the Napa Valley and evaluate the impact
Castellarin noted the tension between grape qual- of these irrigation practices on water resources and
ity and commercial viability when factoring in how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with grape-
much growers can stress their grapes. For exam- vines.
ple, when conducting a study on Merlot grapes,
researchers found that they limited the yields to an Similar to Castellarin’s findings, this study found
unsustainable point for commercial vineyards when that water deficit irrigation strategies reduced the
they applied severe deficits. amount of water applied to grapevines, decreasing
the water footprint and maintaining or increas-
Considerations of Sustainable Irrigation
ing grape quality at the cost of some reduction of
According to the California Water Resources, potential yield.

irrigated agriculture in California is the largest con- This study also found that the ecosystem services
sumer of water, accounting for about 80% of the provided by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased
state’s water supply. Also, California’s climate is plant resistance against biotic stresses while reduc-
changing to limited or no cloud cover and a warm- ing photochemical input and plant re-sistance to
ing trend with no increase in precipitation supply.
abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, metals
To evaluate if standard irrigation practices are and other mineral nutrient depletion. These fungi
economically sustainable, Torres summarized the can reduce the fertilizer requirement by promot-
results of a two year study conducted at UC Davis ing plant growth and increasing plant quality for
Oakville Experimental Vineyard in Napa County, human health while improving soil structure, stabil-
California. This study sought to investigate the ity and water retention.

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