What is a vineyard drip irrigation system?
It is more than just a way to apply water.
Drip irrigation delivers water and also nutrients directly to the vine’s root zone, in the right amounts and at the right time, so each plant gets exactly what it needs to grow optimally. Drip irrigation enables growers to produce higher yields whilst saving water, fertilizer, and energy.
In the UK vineyard industry, being able to apply water and nutrients during the critical plant establishment stage can provide the best opportunity to produce the best wine grapes in the optimum time. It significantly reduces the risk of poor and slow vine establishment. In addition, once the vineyard is in full production, the ability to control water and nutrient supply provides an important tool in managing the growing environment.
How does it work?
The water and nutrients are delivered along the vineyard rows via small diameter pipes that have highly engineered drippers at regular intervals along their length. Each dripper emits water or nutrient-enriched water uniformly either above or within the rootzone.