ISHS Acta Horticulturae 537: III International Symposium on Irrigation of Horticultural Crops
CONTROLLING VINEYARD ENERGY BALANCE PARTITION BY SPRINKLING IRRIGATION |
| Authors: | A. Pitacco, C. Giulivo, F. Iacono |
| Keywords: | Climate control, leaf temperature, energy balance, sprinkling irrigation, Vitis vinifera. |
| Abstract:
A theoretical model to understand and analyse the cooling effect of overhead sprinkling irrigation is proposed, founded on physical principles determining the canopy energy balance. It can predict maximum cooling of foliage starting from fundamental micrometeorological variables (net radiation, air temperature and humidity, windspeed) and aerodynamic characteristics of the canopy. In order to test it, the algorithms have been implemented in an automated system to control irrigation in a vineyard in Trentino region (Northern Italy). Results confirmed the possibility of a good control of foliage thermal regime, cooling it down respect to control plots maintained at an optimal water supply. The use of proposed algorithms allowed a good overall efficiency of the irrigation system. However, the effects of cooling on grape quality have been slight, since conditioning started only after veraison. | |
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