How can proximal sensors help decision-making in grape production?

Abstract

Precision viticulture (PV) aims at achieving greater profit in a more sustainable way through improved resource use efficiency and greater production. PV is based on reliable data provided by different sensors. This study aims to identify the role of proximal sensors in the decision support of PV. During the selection process, 53 of 366 articles identified were relevant for the study. These articles are classified into four groups: management zone delineation (27 articles), disease/pest prevention (11 articles), water management (11 articles), and better grape quality (5 articles). Differentiation between heterogeneous management zones is the basis for site-specific actions. The most important data that sensors provide for this are climatic and soil information. This makes it possible to predict harvesting time or identify areas for plantations. The recognition and prevention of diseases/pests are of crucial importance. Combined platforms/systems provide a good option without any compatibility problems, while variable rate spraying makes pesticide use much lower. Vine water status is the key to water management. Soil moisture and weather data can provide good insight; however, leaf water potential and canopy temperature are also used for better measurement. Although vine irrigation systems are expensive, the price premium of high-quality berries compensates for this because grape quality is closely related to its price.