Vineyard Establishment---Vineyard Design---

The vineyard plan is a best compromise that integrates key aspects of the following characteristics;TopographySurface water and airflowSoil and variety characteristicsVine capacityVineyard designIrrigation designEfficient vineyard management

Introduction

1. Determine surface water plan2. Define block areas between drainage lines

of similar soil types and readily available water (RAW) scores

3. Create a block and row design that is efficient, practical and viticulturally sound

4. Define a road access system around the vineyard

5. Allocate varieties to appropriate blocks6. Vineyard layout and preparation

Stages of developing a vineyard design:

Water will always flow to the lowest point, by the most direct route

Soil erosion increased by soil velocity (not volume)

Intense water run-off needs to be controlledAir drainage just as importantCold air sinks to the lowest point like water

Frost riskGood airflow also important to prevent

humidity build-up in summer

Surface water and airflow

Firstly, define natural waterwaysIsolate them from development

Avoid depressions in the vineyardWater will collect and damage vinesTrellis wires difficult to tension across a

depressionBest idea for planting slopes is 1-3% grade

Provides drainage for water and airAvoids machinery difficulties seen with steeper

slopesPlant grass in the inter-row areasIf vineyards are set up correctly, erosion is

rare

Surface water and airflow

Blocks need to be defined on the basis of soil type and RAW to reduce variability

Soil available water should not vary by more than 10mm within a blockIf so, then separate irrigation

Frost risk? (Spring and Autumn)Largely, row orientation depends on;

RegionCultivarEnd product

Block areas and row orientation

However;While N/S rows generally recommended,

Works in cool climates (<20°C MTWM)For warmer regions, move toward E/W

Avoid severe heat stress in the afternoon, esp. white fruit

Wind – ‘double edged sword’Cause damage and increase ET, yet reduce frost risk

and dry vineyardTrellis choice, and foliage wire placement critical

Row length – long as possible (to a point....)300-400m efficient – less turning and #end assemblies500-600m are best on flat land with big strainersCentral water sub-mains best up to 200m each way

Block areas and row orientation

Ensure ‘all-weather’ access to vineyardGravel is best for roads and headlands (cost trade off)

Roads MUST be well drained to avoid standing water Significantly damage roads very quickly

Headlands must be at least 9-12 meters wideLonger machineryTie-Back systems?Obstacles requiring additional space?

Headlands must also fit with block layoutRows and intermediates and plants need to line up in

“the matrix”

Road access and headlands

Vital decision!Budburst and ripening

Frost prone areas best for late burst and early ripening

Although variety must be chosen first on region, good design can minimise damage

AspectCooler delicate varieties (PNN) grown in cooler

southern partsHeat loving varieties best grown with more of a

western aspect

Allocating varieties to blocks

Row orientationUse E/W for delicate varieties in warmer

climatesUse N/S for robust varieties in cooler climates

Soil type and RAWVigorous (SYR/RRI)best in low fertility soil

In hot areas higher fertility is possible (water control)

Allocating varieties to blocks

Soil RAW (mm) Most suitable varieties

Low (<40mm) Syrah, Riesling, Cabernet Franc

Medium (40-50mm) Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot noir (table)

High (50-60mm) Merlot, Pinot noir (sparkling)

Very High (>60mm) Semillon

Includes a multitude of factorsAll can severely impact (+/-) vine capacityAll of these must be considered and managed for

optimum yield and qualityRow spacing and trellis design – trade-off

Want: large # well spaced shootsNarrow single trellis – wide divided canopyHigher capacity vines, plant further apart!Close planted vines achieve extra early yield –

expensiveWider spaced vines catch up quickly – less expensive

Ensure intermediates are no more than 6-7m apartWire sag can be a major problem

Block and row design

Block size and shapeRectangles are preferredRows ending in hard angles are difficultIrrigation zones need to be <6 ha to avoid

expensive piping systemsGenerally larger blocks are more economical

To a point!

Block and row design

Vineyard planning also requires an irrigation system designer and the following information is essential;Water needs per yearPeak water requirement per weekDripper spacing and output

Vineyard irrigation

Water resourcesWater needs can be calculated using historical

weather information and soil / ET dataVines in hot arid regions can use 5-6 ML / ha /

yearWhile as low as 1 ML / ha / year in cooler

areasEnsure that water resource consent is

available, and legally “water-tight” so you have water when required

The bore should be drilled down to account for changing water levels

Vineyard irrigation

Peak volume requirementsResource consents require vineyards volume

restrictionsOften hourly rate rather than weekly volumeDifficulties?

Normal vine spacing return peak water demand values of 100-180 L/vine/week

At least 20 hours of irrigation/week required4-5 shifts per weekAttempt also cheaper off-peak electricity

Vineyard irrigation

Irrigation system designDrip, overhead, furrow irrigation?Mains, sub-mains, risers, under-vine tubing6 ha maximum size for economy (fluid flow....)Similar block sizes – for pump efficiency

Or reducing size blocks further from pump – headloss

Easy access to maintain valves and submainsPressure compensating drippers required if not

completely flatDesign should be able to deliver water in 60%

of time ($)Include soil type, water distribution for dripper

spacing

Vineyard irrigation

System componentsSufficient and quality water filtration – disk

filter at boreFailsafe final filtration – screen filters at pumpFertigationController – multi-channel system to control

water useControl valves – solenoid valve per blockSystem control – now modern internet / pc

systems

Vineyard irrigation

Can be useful on exposed sitesHowever, protection is only up to 12 times the

heightShadeUtilisation of valuable vineyard landPrevailing wind may be seasonalBIRDS!

If using windbreaks go deciduous – poplar bestCare – root competition

Ensure wind filtering rather than dense barrierTurbulence!

Windbreaks

Operational factors consume >10% of usable vineyard areaMore in undulating situationsMore when vineyard designed incorrectlyNeed to be minimised for efficiency and

productivity

Vineyard operation

Works area – the final stage – heart of the operationManagers officeStaff amenities roomToilets and change roomsMachinery shedsWorkshopChemical storeWaste sumpFilling stationWash down areaParkingTruck loading areaEasy access – roads and blocks

Vineyard operation

Other considerationsElectricityRunning waterWater heatingInternetSafety compliance stationsStorageStaff accommodation?

Vineyard operation

Vineyard Preparation

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