Using soil and canopy temperature to support efficient management of irrigated vineyards

Abstract

Extreme heat and drought events are becoming more frequent and erratic in Mediterranean Europe. Better comprehension of spatial and temporal dynamics of heat fluxes and thermal microclimate in vineyards can support vineyard's management and minimize the impact of climate variability. Field experiments were carried out in South Portugal with two red cvs. Touriga Nacional and Aragonez (syn. Tempranillo) under deficit irrigation. Canopy temperature (Tc) is a robust predictor of plant water status, especially when measured under more stressful conditions. In parallel, soil temperature (TS) had a positive influence on TC especially at the cluster zone.

The role of soil temperature in mediterranean vineyards in a climate change context

“…Soil characterization is also essential for an effective distribution of soil water sensors across the vineyard. In addition, thermal measurements of soil, air and plants (punctual and image-based) coupled with computer–based information systems can support Decision Support Systems (DSS) ( Figure 6 ) for more efficient vineyard management ( Costa et al., 2020 ; Naulleau et al., 2021 ). DSS systems using these multi-parameter thermal data besides supporting precise irrigation strategies are potential indicators of water and heat stress in vineyards that can help to predict and mitigate climate risks.…”

“… (A) Diagram illustrating the potential interactions between soil, canopy and berries in terms of heat exchange and temperature regulation and the use of air temperature (T air ), soil temperature (TS), canopy temperature (T C ), and cluster or berry temperature as parameters to feed models to support decision on plant phenotyping, and vineyard management (irrigation, canopy and soil). TTSW – total transpirable soil water; VPDair - Air Vapour-Pressure Deficit (Adapted from Costa et al., 2020 ). (B) Conceptual framework showing the interaction between soil temperature (ST) and soil water (Swater) on vines temperature (roots, trunk, basal and upper leaves, berry/cluster) in a context of climate change (higher radiation -Rn, air temperature -Tair, less precipitation - P).…”