Implementation of techniques for remote sensing as a method to determine the productive potential of a viticultural terroir

Abstract

The aim of this research was to establish the correlation between the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of the native prairie 3-year prior to the implantation of a vineyard and the subsequent response from the vine. The estimate NDVI was calculated based on 2003 Aster satellite image, from the Atlántida area, in southern Uruguay. Two experimental plots were set 170 m apart, at contrasting NDVI and topographic positions. Each plot was composed of 25 plants of Tannat variety (Vitis vinifera L.), randomly selected within each vineyard. The NDVI class intervals were able to distinguish areas with significantly different productive potential, which was correlated with soil physical properties and hydric behaviour. The defined plot with a lower NDVI (0.4133) belongs to an area of shallower soil and a higher percentage of sand and coarser textures. There, the predawn leaf water potential was lower, with increased plant stress during ripening and significant differences in dry matter production for m² soil), yield, leaf area, berry weight and differences in the composition. The use of a remote sensing satellite technique made possible to analyse the physical conditions of the terroir and to determine its productive potential, thus confirming the feasibility of this low cost technology.