Nitrogen (N) plays a major role in all grapevine physiological processes. It is considered as a macronutrient, as it is required in larger amounts than the other mineral nutrients. It controls plant vigor and its absorption by the roots is dependent on the availability of water. A nitrogen deficient grapevine will not grow well, forming short inter-nodes, chlorotic (yellow) leaves and will produce less fruits with a reduced grape N content and possible delayed maturation.

Whereas nitrogen must be available to grant an adequate growth and photosynthesis, in viticulture too much nitrogen is also detrimental. Excess vigor leads to an extended vegetative growth period and competition with grape ripening. In addition, denser canopies and higher N content in leaves can increase vulnerability to fungal diseases.

In addition to controlling vegetative vigor, nitrogen affects the composition of grapes and the activity of yeast during winemaking. Indeed, nitrogen is a key yeast nutrient needed to carry out a successful fermentation and its presence as part of complex N-compounds in musts can affect the aromatic quality of wine.

All these functions make it difficult to control and to manage nitrogen fertilization in the best way. Since 2021, Vintel Nitrogen module by ITK provides a monitoring and forecasting service that can be used on a large scale to make the best decisions concerning N fertilization in a quick and cost-effective way to attain production goals.

How do you know how much nitrogen is needed by your vineyard ?

Fertilization is a regular practice for vinegrowers, and one which demands a particular expertise to attain the optimal balance between vigor and grape composition.

This expertise is even more relevant in a world that is more and more concerned with soil and environmental preservation. Indeed, wine growers are becoming increasingly aware of the detrimental effects of excess nitrogen leaking into the environment, causing water pollution and eutrophication. For this reason, over the past decades, the application of N in vineyards has been reduced with the aim of adjusting vigor and yield while preserving the environment.

In the last decades cover cropping has made its come-back in many vineyards, after a long period in which it was abandoned, as it was considered harmful for production. Indeed, whereas using cover crops have several benefits, ranging from soil protection to the control of  yield, in vineyards with low vigor, there is a concern of excessive competition for N resources with vines. In these cases, N-fertilizer application needs to be tailored to suit grapevines needs while considering the type of cover crop and its practices.

All these factors need to be considered when creating the nitrogen (N) management plan, to make the best use of N fertilizers. To conceive such plans it is very helpful to monitor vine N status and have a global vision of all the elements affecting its balance in the vineyard. A decision support tool  (DST) like Vintel Nitrogen module can provide these data in real time so that nitrogen management becomes easy and effective.

Vintel Nitrogen module predicts nitrogen availability

The new service within the Vintel DST, Nitrogen module boosts growers insight into the nitrogen status of their vineyard, informing decision-making.

This powerful solution makes it possible to visualize nitrogen stress and measure the impacts of nitrogen inputs on vine growth during the production season.  And off-season it helps adjust nitrogen application so that vines maximise their reserves and can re-start growth adequately. Because Vintel Nitrogen module considers the soil-plant water balance, it allows to apply fertilizer in the right amount to avoid leaking or wash out.  Moreover, the system provides a long-term weather forecast ranging several months in the future, that can help planning N purchase and application in the long term.

A nitrogen expert for winery management by the side of growers

Vintel Nitrogen module calculates daily nitrogen demands and consumption by plants, depending on nitrogen soil stocks, fertilizer application, cover cropping and other vineyard practices, and weather. This is possible because at the heart of Vintel Nitrogen module there are agronomic models of soil water balance, nitrogen mineralization and nitrogen allocation whose output provides an instant picture of your vineyard N status. Soil nitrogen dynamics over time are displayed through easy-to-interpret detailed graphs. Long-term weather forecasts allow to simulate the in season evolution of vineyard nitrogen, for a better planning of N-fertilizer applications.

Vintel Nitrogen module : for each plot, you can visualize detailed graphs showing nitrogen demands by the plant (top), nitrogen and water availability in soil (middle) and weather (bottom)

Vintel is a complete tool for the management of nitrogen allowing growers to :

• Visualise the peaks of nitrogen consumption in their vineyard for the ongoing season.
• Know when plants are stressed and consuming their own nitrogen reserves so to avoid their depletion
• Compare different fertilization strategies to see what is their potential impact over plant nitrogen and soil stocks
• Select the best cover crop for your vineyard and optimize its management (type, planting date, removal date etc.)
• Analyze the use of nitrogen in your vineyard after harvest. Is there sufficient N for building adequate plant stocks?
• Maximize the effectiveness of N applications by considering present and future water availability in the soil
• Save money by applying just the right amount of fertilizer at the right moment.
• Preserve soil and environmental resources by avoiding excess N application and N leak into the environment

Contattaci e richiedi una demo

Voglio una demo

L’article Nutrient management planning in the vineyard: how to optimize nitrogen fertilization ? est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

What diseases commonly affect vines in summer?

Oidium and Black Rot are two pathogens that can seriously affect leaves and bunches during growth and veraison. Powdery mildew, in particular, does not require rain or leaf wetness to develop, making it a threat even in summer, which is generally a less rainy period.Black Rot, on the other hand, poses the greatest threat to vines during the critical phenological phase between the fall of the flower caps and veraison.

Post-veraison, grey rot, or botrytis, is particularly problematic. This fungus feeds on the sugars contained in the berries, damaging the bunches and encouraging the development of acid rot. It also imparts unpleasant odours and flavours to the wines produced.

Major consequences for vineyard health and wine quality

The impact of these diseases on vineyard health can be devastating, reducing both yield and quality of the harvest. Grapes affected by these pathogens often lead to wines with undesirable aromas and tastes, far from the desired quality level.

Prevention : an effective strategy

Proactive control and prevention strategies are essential to protect vineyards from these summer diseases.

Vineyard maintenance for optimum management

It is important to select resistant grape varieties and prune properly to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which limits the development of pathogens. Frequent inspection of the vines allows early detection of the first signs of disease. It is crucial to intervene immediately when symptoms appear to prevent the spread of disease.
The application of specific fungicides and biocontrol products, such as plant extracts or antagonistic micro-organisms, must be carried out in accordance with recommended treatment schedules or the predictions of disease DSTs (Decision Support Tools).
In the case of a plot sensitive to black rot, it is useful to use anti-mildew or anti-oidium products that also have an anti-black rot action to have a comprehensive defense strategy.

Vigilance for high-performance vineyards

Even in the drier summer months, we must not lower our guard. Vigilance and early intervention are crucial to maintaining healthy vineyards and guaranteeing high-quality wine production. Decision support systems (DSS), such as Vintel®, provide precise alerts on disease pressures. This enables winegrowers to optimise treatment timings and implement effective preventive measures, thereby enhancing vine protection and securing the future harvest against summer diseases.

Contattaci e richiedi una demo

Voglio una demo

L’article Vine diseases in summer: prevention is better than cure est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

With climate change, prolonged heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. It is vital for winegrowers to understand the extent of these phenomena so that they can adapt their practices and protect their vineyards.   

Heat waves are periods with temperatures above 35-35°C that persist for several days. They can cause heat and water stress, affecting vine growth and grape quality.

However, it’s not just the temperature that defines a heat wave; the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) also plays a crucial role. VPD measures the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. A high VPD means the air is very dry, which increases the evaporation of water from the vine leaves. This leads to more intense water stress, as the vines lose water faster than they can absorb it.

These conditions of high heat and low humidity can cause both thermal and water stress, affecting vine growth and grape quality.

Identifying the risks for vineyards

Heat waves do not affect all vineyards in the same way. Different factors, such as geographical location, soil type and the age of the vines, influence the vulnerability of vineyards to these extreme conditions.

Vineyards in the Mediterranean or in arid regions are at greater risk.

Soils poor in organic matter, such as light and sandy soils can weaken plants. Young or poorly rooted vines are also more  vulnerable.

What impact do high temperatures on vines?

High temperatures can have a variety of, often negative, effects on vines. It is crucial to understand these impacts to adopt effective management strategies.

High temperatures contribute to stomatal closure, reducing photosynthesis and metabolic processes. Another impact is the acceleration of ripening, which can lead to over-ripening of the grapes. Finally, high temperatures can lead to undesirable changes in the chemical composition of the grapes, altering the sugar/acid balance and, ultimately, the taste of your wine. These effects are mainly due to the breakdown of organic acids and an increase in sugar levels, resulting in wines that lack ‘freshness’ and have higher alcohol contents.

In fact, high temperatures accelerate respiration and gluconeogenesis, processes that consume the malic acid accumulated during fruit ripening. Heat waves can also impact wine aromas. These are derived from various volatile compounds that are influenced by the growing conditions of the grapes. Heat can alter the concentration and profile of these aromatic compounds, affecting the bouquet and complexity of the final wine. Anthocyanines are also negatively affected by high temperatures, resulting in lighter colouring red wines.

Heat damage

Beyond direct heat stress, hot weather can cause various types of damages in vineyards. Proactive management is to minimising these risks.

Grape berries exposed to direct sunlight can suffer significant damage. High temperatures can cause sunburn, which manifests itself as brown and necrotic spots on the berries and results in dried up berries and leaves. This damage can not only reduce the quality of the fruit but also increase its susceptibility to infection and disease. 

Water stress is another crucial factor linked to high temperatures. When exposed to these conditions, vines need more water to maintain their physiological functions. Without adequate irrigation, this can lead to excessive water stress. Lack of water can reduce photosynthesis, slow growth and decrease sugar production in the berries.

Heat stress can also disrupt the absorption of nutrients by the vines. For example, the absorption of nitrogen, an essential element for plant growth and development, can be significantly reduced as a result of heat stress, especially when the soil is dry. This nutritional deficiency can weaken vines, making them more vulnerable to disease and reducing their ability to produce high-quality grapes.

What strategies can be used to protect vineyards from heat peaks ?

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to protect your vineyard from the effects of heat waves. Adopting appropriate practices can help to maintain the health of the vines and the quality of production.

• Targeted irrigation: Irrigate in large quantities and less frequently, to encourage the roots to go deeper into the soil. Pre-irrigating before a heatwave to can also help cool the foliage..
•  Adjust phytosanitary treatments: Avoid treatments withsulphur, terpenes or essential oils during high heat and sunny conditions, as they can cause burns.
• Canopy management: Prune and orientate your vines to maximise shade on the grapes. Favour an east-west orientation to reduce the exposure of the bunches.
• Mulching: Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
• Cover crop: Mow the canopy between the rows but do not leave the soil bare.

Embrace technology

Modern technology can be a huge help in managing your vineyard during heat waves. Decision Support Tools like Vintel® provide alerts and irrigation advice tailored to heat events, helping you stay proactive.

By understanding and applying these strategies, winegrowers can better protect their vineyards from the harmful effects of heat waves and maintain the quality of their production.

For more information, please contact us: Vintel® » Contact us | Vintel® (vintel-itk.com)

Contattaci e richiedi una demo

Voglio una demo

L’article Managing heat waves in vineyards: effective strategies for vine growers est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

Ensuring optimal nutrition from the start of the season

Pour optimiser votre saison viticole, il est essentiel de fournir dès le début un apport nutritionnel stratégique aux vignes. Un apport nutritionnel adéquat avant la floraison favorise une croissance saine et vigoureuse, assurant les bases d’une récolte de qualité. Un apport nutritif précoce, particulièrement s’il garantit l’équilibre optimal des éléments majeurs et des oligo-éléments, est stratégique car il favorise un développement racinaire sain, une floraison optimale, renforce la résistance aux stress environnementaux et contribue à produire une récolte de haute qualité. Tout déséquilibre pourrait conduire à des pertes de rendements ou un impact sur la qualité du vin.

Controlling the ideal amount of nitrogen

Nitrogen, the nutrient that most influences yield, is essential for vine growth, but finding the right balance is a challenge. Low nitrogen levels can limit fruit growth, while too high a level can lead to excessive vegetation and the risk of disease.

According to IFV, recommended nitrogen doses generally range from 30 to 60 kg N/ha for production of 6 to 10 t/ha, and 60 to 90 kg N/ha for production of 10 to 25 t/ha.

L’absorption de l’azote se déroule principalement en trois phases : la première se produit pendant et peu après la floraison. L’azote absorbé est alors principalement utilisé pour la croissance végétative. Une deuxième phase a lieu pendant la véraison, période durant laquelle l’azote absorbé enrichit principalement les baies. Enfin, une troisième phase intervient après les vendanges, si les conditions climatiques le permettent. L’azote absorbé est alors stocké dans les parties pérennes de la vigne.

Il est donc crucial de planifier la fertilisation de manière que la bonne quantité d’azote soit disponible pendant ces périodes critiques. Vous maximisez ainsi la santé de vos vignes et garantissez la qualité de votre récolte, en favorisant une croissance équilibrée et une maturation optimale.

Nitrogen, the driving force behind vine growth and quality

In addition to its crucial role in vine growth, nitrogen plays a decisive role in fermentation and wine quality. During alcoholic fermentation, nitrogen is used by yeast to metabolize sugars into alcohol and other aromatic compounds. An adequate supply of nitrogen promotes more complete fermentation, contributing to the production of higher-quality wines.

De plus, l’azote est essentiel pour la synthèse des protéines dans les baies, ce qui influence directement la composition du moût et, par conséquent, les caractéristiques organoleptiques du vin final. Un bon apport d’azote favorise la production de mouts plus riches en acides aminés, en protéines et en enzymes, éléments clés pour obtenir des vins équilibrés, aromatiques et dotés d’une texture plus complexe.

By ensuring optimal nitrogen supply throughout the vine’s growth cycle, winegrowers can significantly improve the quality of their harvest and produce exceptional wines.

Our experts anticipate nitrogen competition

Le cycle de l’azote est complexe et les facteurs de compétition azotée pour les cultures, nombreux, mais cette compétition peut être anticipée afin de maximiser la biodisponibilité de l’azote pour la vigne. Nos experts calculent avec précision le dosage d’azote nécessaire, en tenant compte du couvert végétal et du type d’engrais utilisé, pour une disponibilité optimale des nutriments dans le sol. Piloter votre fertilisation azotée et maîtriser les facteurs de compétition permet d’assurer la productivité et la santé de votre vignoble de manière durable.

Our digital tools for intelligent fertilization

Optimisez votre gestion de la fertilisation avec nos outils numériques avancés !
La modélisation des dynamiques de l’azote vous permet de prendre des décisions éclairées pour une croissance et une qualité optimale de votre vignoble. La solution Vintel permet de simplifier votre quotidien et d’optimiser vos performances techniques et économiques.

Préparez-vous dès maintenant pour une saison fructueuse avec une fertilisation optimisée et nos outils numériques innovants. Contactez-nous pour maximiser le rendement et la qualité de votre vignoble : Vintel®

L’article Spring: feed your vines for a fruitful season est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

The problem is known as « delayed spring growth » and can be caused by lack of soil moisture. It results in bud wilting, stunted growth and, in severe cases, fruit shatter and abortion. It is partly due to vascular impairment due to dry conditions. Dormant buds become dehydrated over winter and have relatively weak vascular connections to the rest of the vine. Spring sap flow (bleeding) helps repair any vascular embolisms that may have formed over the winter and rehydrates the buds. However, when the soil is excessively dry or the carbohydrate reserve too low, this process can be impaired and shoots with faulty connections do not receive adequate carbohydrate supplies at growth resumption, even if soil moisture is subsequently re-established.

Another consequence of soil dryness in winter and spring is the inhibition of fine root formation. Fine roots are non-woody, short-lived roots with very small diameters < 1 mm. They are important for resource acquisition and microbial interactions. Their growth is promoted by carbohydrate demand from the plant (in the spring, for example) and is strongly limited by the lack of soil moisture. For this reason, early season drought can lead to decreased nutrient absorbtion and cause nutrient deficiencies.

These consequences are not homogeneous in vineyards. Only some shoots are affected by unresolved vascular embolisms and dry patches in soils are often distributed hetereogeneously depending on soil variability. This results in desynchronised budburst and phenology within the same vineyard, which makes viticultural operations more complicated.

Climate change, ants and winter drought: a terrible mix for your irrigation system

In addition to its adverse effects on plant growth, winter drought can be accounted for yet another problem in vineyards: the breaking and failure of subsurface drip irrigation systems.

In recent years many vineyards in southern France have reported damage and failure of irrigation systems at the onset of the growing season. This occurred only for subsurface drip systems and after drier and warmer than average winters such as 2019.  Close investigations have revelead that water emitters along the dripperline are damaged by soil-dwelling ants that search for water at the end of winter rest. When the ants cannot find water in the soil profile, they enter the irrigation system and pierce the emitter membranes to enter in the water pipes. The phenomenon has been particularly pronounced in recent years and fueled by climate change.

In most mediterranean and temperate species, ants stop foraging for food and become inactive in winter. Because their activities are greatly reduced, they can survive with their energy reserves for a few months. This slower metabolic state is called « diapause ». The increase in temperature during the early spring months cues ants to re-emerge from their chambers, prompting workers to search for new food sources and water. In the last few years, record winter temperatures have promoted earlier ant activity, inside dry soils that had not yet been irrigated. The lack of moisture has pushed ants into irrigation systems where the damages have been done.

Many different ant species live in mediterranean soils, but only a few are small enough to enter the emitters and wander through the system. In southern France, the culprits have been identified  as belonging to the genus « Solenopsis ».

How to protect your vineyard: the importance of winter irrigation

Given the adverse effects that excessive soil dryness can have in winter, it is important to ensure that soils retain their moisture during winter rest and are ready to support a healthy growth resumption at the time of budburst.

In winter months, growers should assess soil moisture, review the weather forecast, and consider whether winter irrigation may be needed. If the soil is dry and no significant precipitation is in the forecast, then irrigation is recommended. Grapevines use little water over the dormant season, and lower temperatures decrease soil evaporation, so often only one irrigation will be needed in January or February.

Irrigation experts advise to perform one « technical irrigation » to fill up the soil profile to manage any potential potential growth disorders and prevent ants from damaging subsurface drip irrigation systems. To know exactly how much and how long to irrigate, a precise knowledge of soil composition and depth and the evaluation of its water holding capacity are very useful. These information can be provided by agronomic models and irrigation DSS like Vintel.

With drought setting in southern France and no significant precipitation forecasted for the next weeks it is the right time to think about  “watering ”  your vineyard. A strategic irrigation now can avoid many later problems and ensure a good start of the 2022 season.

L’article Winter drought: have you thought about irrigating your vineyard? est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.

Cover crops are a complex subject that raises many questions, so much so that it is sometimes difficult to find one’s way around.

Here are 10 facts you need to know about cover crops in vineyards :

1. Cover crops are plants that cover the soil between and under taller crops

Cover crops can be found between and under the rows of at the foot of a vertical crop (vineyards, orchards..). They can be natural or sown, temporary or permanent, planted in all rows or not. They represent an alternative to chemical weeding and tillage.

This technique is not new, as the Romans were already using it 2000 years ago.

Indeed, until the 1930s, this method of maintaining vineyard soils was considered a good viticultural practice, with positive effects on soil.

Later, the development of mineral fertilizers, mechanization, and an increased awareness of the nutrient and water competition between “grass” and vines led to extensive weeding in vineyards. Since the 1970s, chemical weed control has been adopted by the vast majority of vineyards in France.

2. Cover crops occupy 52% of the surface area of French vineyards

In  2016, in France, cover crops occupied 52% of total vineyard surface area. Their presence varied according to the viticultural area, from 24% in Burgundy to 99% in Dordogne. On the other hand this practice is hardly present in Mediterranean vineyards. This is because mediterranean winegrowers fear an excessive competition between cover crops and grapevines, generating water stress.

3. Cover crops favor life in the soil

Cover crops are an important source of organic matter that encourages life in the soil. They create biotopes favoring the formation of humus and the development of microbial ecosystems.

4. Cover crops protect the soil from erosion and limit pesticides transfer into soil and water

Cover crops prevents soil erosion by acting as a protective layer. The roots of the herbaceous plants hold soil particles in place, thus preventing erosion by water and wind. Surface vegetation creates a physical barrier that reduces the direct impact of raindrops, thereby decreasing the risk of soil loss. As a result, cover crops keep vineyard soils healthy, preserving their fertility and ability to support growth. Additionally, they act as a natural barrier against the pesticides transfer into soil. Vegetation captures some of the pesticides that could otherwise be washed away by precipitation or irrigation, thus limiting their impact on groundwater and watercourses. By promoting microbial biodiversity in the soil, herbaceous plants also contribute to the natural decomposition of pesticide residues.

5. Cover crops create competition

Cover crops create competition for water and nutrients between the plant cover and the vine. This competition is strongly influenced by climate – in particular by sunshine and rainfall – and must be controlled and adapted to the desired objectives. If it is too strong, the vine will become water stressed and will not absorb the appropriate amount of nitrogen.

The competition caused by cover crops occurs during the vegetative season of grapevine and during berry ripening. Thus, it begins at bud break and becomes more pronounced at flowering. During the vegetative rest period (autumn and winter), there is no competition between cover crops and grapevine.

If competition is too important, it can result in grapevine stress. Therefore, to control competition, it is possible to adjust the width of the grass cover or to irrigate. Be careful, however: to be effective, these measures must be taken at the right time.

6. Cover crops are not recommended for young vines

Because of water and nutrient competition, the French Institute of Vine and Wine (IFV) advises against growing cover crops in young vineyards that are less than 3 years old. Plants are not sufficiently developed to draw water and nutrients from the soil deep layers.

With the exception of particularly vigorous plots, cover crops should not be considered before the 4th or 5th year. However, grass strips can be planted around the plot to limit erosion.

7. Cover crops help to control vine vigor

Cover crop can be used to limit problems related to excessive plant vigour. Water and nutrient competition results in a reduction in vine vigour and yields. By controlling cover crops, winegrowers can control this balance, to improve the quality of their wines.

8. Cover crops can improve wine quality

Cover crops can play a beneficial role in improving the quality of grape musts by influencing both vine vigor and soil microbial life.

Competition between the vegetation cover and the vine can lead to a reduction in vigor, resulting in grape musts that are less acidic and have a higher alcohol potential. For red grapes, this potential improvement in quality also translates into an increase in phenolic compound concentration.

Moreover, scientific research has established links between soil microbial activity and fermentation processes, resulting in variations in the taste, aroma, and chemical composition of the wines produced. Thus, by promoting soil microbiota, cover crops could also positively influence wine quality.

9. The effect of cover crops depends on the species composing them

Different types of cover crops will have very different effect on vines. For this reason, the choice of cover crop species must be accurate :  winegrowers must take into account the wine production objectives, soil structure,  vigor, berry quality, etc. The most important factor for defining the species to be planted is the desired or acceptable competition level in a given plot or vineyard. The other elements then help to refine the choice of species.

The species that are the least competitive for grapevines are legumes and grasses. Their cycle ends in May, so they disappear during the summer season, which avoids any competition for water during the hottest periods.

Finally, the possibility of a natural, spontaneous grass cover should not be neglected. This is often the simplest (and least expensive) option. The species naturally growing in the plots are already adapted to their climate and soil structure. Moreover, they are easier to destroy a strip of  planted grass, which is a significant advantage in managing competition.

10. Cover crops can be managed using digital tools

Some winegrowers give up on the benefits of cover crops to avoid water competition, even though a controlled competition could be sustainable for grapevines.Indeed , cover crops can be now managed based on precise information concerning the water status of  plots.

In order to facilitate the water and nitrogen management of crops, ITK has developed a smart digital solution: Vintel. The Decision Support System (DSS) Vintel® helps to manage irrigation and nitrogen fertilization in real time according to vine water and nitrogen needs. This solution provides winegrowers with precise knowledge of the water and nitrogen status of the plots, for a better management of the vineyard

In addition, for regions where irrigation is possible, Vintel provides irrigation recommendations adapted to each plot and target wine profile, based on agro-environmental and artificial intelligence models. This allows yield optimization and managing berry quality, plot selection, water management, etc.

In short, with Vintel, you have a real-time view of the water and nitrogen status of your vines. Want to know more? Contact-us !

L’article 10 facts you should know about cover crops in vineyards est apparu en premier sur Vintel®.