Application of remote and proximal sensors for precision vineyard management in Valpolicella

Abstract

The integration of sensor systems in viticulture is significantly improving vineyard management by enabling faster, comprehensive crop data collection across the entire vineyard, supporting more informed viticultural decision-making, and as a result promoting sustainability. Nevertheless, sensor information is highly sensitive to pedo-climatic and agronomic factors that characterize the vineyard context. Consequently, in different viticulture scenarios, a preliminary evaluation of sensor application methods is essential to tailor existing techniques to the unique conditions of each vineyard.This study conducted a systematic evaluation of remote and proximal sensing technologies in Valpolicella wine region (north-east Italy) where these approaches have not been previously applied, aiming to integrate these advanced methodologies into regional viticultural practices. Several vineyards representing Valpolicella viticulture characteristics were selected and monitored during 2021-2024. The vineyards featured varying altitudes, sizes, autochthonous cultivars and the two typical trellis systems: the vertical shoot positioning, Guyot, and the traditional overhead Pergola. These vineyards were studied using multispectral imagery from satellite and UAV platforms, as well as ground-based sensors operated in proximity to the canopy, to evaluate vine vigor and water status. Traditional agronomic measurements and berry quality parameters were collected and compared with sensor data to assess the methods’ efficiency and precision. Multivariate analyses revealed that the informative potential of different sensor systems varies as a function of the trellis system and vineyard size. Finer correlation analyses of parameters measured in single vineyards revealed strong, stable relationships between sensor data and vine vigor, and moderate relationships with berry traits. An evaluation of interannual spatial stability in vine vigor showed relatively consistent patterns across years. This information confirms the potential of integrating sensor systems into Valpolicella viticulture, supporting viticultural decision-making in light of recent sustainability challenges while helping preserve the traditional characteristics of the local wines.