A Comparative Study of Traditional Drip Irrigation and Deep Underground Irrigation to Improve Water Use Efficiency
Desiree Hernandez, Alessandro De Rosa, Eve
Laroche-Pinel, and Luca Brillante*
*Department of Viticulture and Enology, California State
University Fresno, 2360 E Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA, 93740
(lucabrillante@csufresno.edu)
Water efficiency is crucial for grapevine cultivation, especially in regions like California where water scarcity poses significant challenges. In 2023, a comprehensive project was initiated in Madera, CA, aimed at comparing the efficacy of traditional drip irrigation with a novel, deep-underground irrigation system in sustaining grapevine water status. The experiment comprised eight blocks, each with four vines, with four blocks irrigated conventionally using drip irrigation and the remaining four with a deep underground irrigation setup.
From June to August 2023, three water-related metrics were measured five times: stem water potential (Ψstem), stomatal conductance (gs), and net assimilation rate (AN). Ψstem measurements showed a discernible disparity in mid-July, coinciding with peak water stress conditions. During this critical period, vines under traditional drip irrigation exhibited lower average Ψstem (-1.24 MPa) than those under deep irrigation (-1.13 MPa). Throughout the observational period, vines subjected to deep irrigation consistently demonstrated superior physiological performance. Specifically, AN remained consistently higher under deep irrigation, with an average difference of 2.6 µmol CO2/m2sec compared to drip irrigation. Similarly, gs values were consistently elevated under deep irrigation, with an average difference of 65.9 mmol H2O/m2sec except during the initial stages of the trial.
These findings underscore the efficacy of deep irrigation in mitigating water stress and enhancing grapevine physiological functions compared to traditional drip irrigation methods. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of deep underground irrigation systems to optimize water usage and sustain grapevine health and productivity in water-scarce environments. Ultimately, such innovative irrigation approaches hold promise for improving water efficiency and promoting sustainable viticulture practices in CA and beyond.
Funding Support: N/A
