Terroir 1996 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Nuove tecnologie per la viticoltura in zone di alto valore ambientale

Nuove tecnologie per la viticoltura in zone di alto valore ambientale

Abstract

[English version below]

Gli autori presentano gli ultimi risultati delle ricerche dei DIAF sulla meccanizzazione delle operazioni colorali in zone di difficile accesso e transitabilità quali le aree marginali, i terreni terrazzati e altre realtà agricole caratterizzate da spazi estremamente ristretti (vivaismo, orticoltura, ecc.).
Le prime esperienze risalgono agli anni ’90 quando furono realizzati prototipi per la raccolta del ginepro e successivamente per la raccolta del caffe; dal 1994 gli studi si sono localizzati sul Progetto Candia che prevede la meccanizzazione di vigneti posti su pendici terrazzate a forte declività; sono state realizzare due macchine motrici che per la loro ergonomia, maneggevolezza e dotazione dei sistemi di accoppiamento normalizzati, costituiscono una nuova categoria di macchine agricole che possono convenientemente sostituire i trattori monoasse.

The DIAF has faced mechanization problems of terraced and strong declivity zones particularly in the vineyard area of the Candia in which a project promoted and financed by ARSIA (Tuscan regional agency for the development and innovation in the agricultural and forestry sector) is in progress. Two prototypes of track-laying machine constituting a new category of agricultural tractors have been realized. In particular this machinery is designed as movable power station having hydraulic and electro-mechanic standardized power take off. The concept adopted to realize their design takes into consideration multifunctional and manageable equipment like the two wheeled walking tractor overcoming problems of stability obtained with the handle and of the necessary strength to steer machine.
This is particularly important in zones of difficult accessibility for ingrown spaces and for steep inclinations. Furthermore many modem agricultural machines require elevated powers not feasible with walking tractors. The prototypes are designed as a motorized frame with tracks and hydrostatic transmission for easier driving: this system also allows rapid turn back important in small zones. The operator is placed in no external position for safer utilization in dangerous situations. Hydrostatic lift and standard electro controlled p.t.o. permit no easier and more precise equipment control.
The two tractors have different power (13,5 and 18 kW) and two different link systems (easy clutch for light tools and the classical 3 points lift). The ergonomy and safety of this new machinery make it a real evolution in farm mechanization a and.
Beyond the use in the vineyard, these machine scan be used for further applications: olive crops in the terraced areas where it is not possible to adopt classical tractors, the nursery crops, for horticulture and in woods and parks management.

DOI:

Publication date: March 2, 2022

Issue: Terroir 1998

Type: Article

Authors

MAURIZIO GIOVANNETTI (1), MARCO VIERl (2), MASSIMO ZOLl

(1) ARSIA. Agenzia regionale toscana per lo sviluppo agricolo e forestale.
Via Pietrapiana 30, 50121 Firenze (ltaly)
(2) DIAF. Dipartimento di ingegneria agricola e forestale, Università di Firenze. Piazzale delle Cascine 15, 50144 Firenze (ltaly)

Contact the author

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 1998

Citation

Related articles…

Sustaining wine identity through intra-varietal diversification

With contemporary climate change, cultivated Vitis vinifera L. is at risk as climate is a critical component in defining ecologically fitted plant materiel. While winegrowers can draw on the rich diversity among grapevine varieties to limit expected impacts (Morales-Castilla et al., 2020), replacing a signature variety that has created a sense of local distinctiveness may lead to several challenges. In order to sustain wine identity in uncertain climate outcomes, the study of intra-varietal diversity is important to reflect the adaptive and evolutionary potential of current cultivated varieties. The aim of this ongoing study is to understand to what extent can intra-varietal diversity be a climate change adaptation solution. With a focus on early (Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Grolleau, Pinot noir) to moderate late (Chenin, Petit Verdot, Cabernet franc) ripening varieties, data was collected for flowering and veraison for the various studied accessions (from conservatory plots) and clones. For these phenological growing stages, heat requirements were established using nearby weather stations (adapted from the GFV model, Parker et al., 2013) and model performances were verified. Climate change projections were then integrated to predict the future behaviour of the intra-varietal diversity. Study findings highlight the strong phenotypic diversity of studied varieties and the importance of diversification to enhance climate change resilience. While model performances may require improvements, this study is the first step towards quantifying heat requirements of different clones and how they can provide adaptation solutions for winegrowers to sustain local wine identity in a global changing climate. As genetic diversity is an ongoing process through point mutations and epigenetic adaptations, perspective work is to explore clonal data from a wide variety of geographic locations.

Organic recycled mulches in sustainable viticulture: assessment of spontaneous plants communities and weed coverage

In recent years, developing more efficient and sustainable viticulture management has been essential due to the impact of climate change in semiarid regions. For this reason, the use of recycled organic mulching (ROM) in the vineyard has become an interesting strategy to cope with water stress, isolated soil from extreme temperatures and improving soil humidity, control the presence of weeds and therefore reduce the inputs of herbicides and improve soil fertility. This work aimed to analyse the effect of three different organic mulches [straw (S), grape pruning debris (GPD) and spent mushroom compost (SMC)] and two traditional soil management techniques [herbicide (H) and interrow (IN)] on weed coverage and the spontaneous plant communities’ presence. Data sampling was collected throughout the vine vegetative cycle of 2021 in La Rioja, Spain. The different soil management techniques had a clear effect on weed coverage and his development during the vine vegetative cycle. SMC and H were the treatments with the highest and the lowest coverage percentage, respectively. IN had a delayed weed emergence at the beginning of the vine vegetative cycle, but finally it reached maximum values nearby SMC. GPD and S had similar effects on weed emergence, reaching 25-30% of the maximum coverage values. A total of 29 herbaceous species were identified during the vegetative cycle, some of them very isolated and occasional. Principal component analysis (PCAs) showed a good association between spontaneous species and treatments, furthermore, specific species-treatment associations were found. Moreover, three clear groups of herbaceous communities were identified by cluster analysis. This study provides interesting information about the effect of different alternative soil management on herbaceous plant coverage and weed species communities which could contribute to making more sustainable viticulture.

Different soil types and relief influence the quality of Merlot grapes in a relatively small area in the Vipava Valley (Slovenia) in relation to the vine water status

Besides location and microclimatic conditions, soil plays an important role in the quality of grapes and wine. Soil properties influence…

Bioclimatic shifts and land use options for Viticulture in Portugal

Land use, plays a relevant role in the climatic system. It endows means for agriculture practices thus contributing to the food supply. Since climate and land are closely intertwined through multiple interface processes, climate change may lead to significant impacts in land use. In this study, 1-km observational gridded datasets are used to assess changes in the Köppen–Geiger and Worldwide Bioclimatic (WBCS)

Effects of graft quality on growth and grapevine-water relations

Climate change is challenging viticulture worldwide compromising its sustainability due to warmer temperatures and the increased frequency of extreme events. Grafting Vitis vinifera L.