Project Number
WW 04-11
Project title
Evaluation of subsurface irrigation with regard to effective water consumption and grapevine performance on the low-lying soils of the Lower Orange River area
Project leader
Myburgh, P A
Project description
The aim of this project is to evaluate subsurface irrigation methods, in comparison to more commonly used methods, for possible water saving without decreasing production and quality of the grapes. With the exception of the porous pipe, the quantities of irrigation water applied per hectare were comparable between treatments. Since the porous pipe is presumably clogged, it is not suitable for irrigation of vineyards under the specific conditions. The amount of irrigation water applied to all treatments was generally significantly lower than the quotas allocated to producers along the Lower Orange River. Due to stunted spring growth, the first harvest was a total mishap. Hence, no recommendations with respect to production and water use efficiency are possible at this stage. It is recommended that this project should be continued for three seasons to determine the effectiveness of the different irrigation systems with regard to water consumption and grapevine performance.
Presentation(s)
Myburgh, P A. 2003. Factors affecting water use efficiency of vineyards along the Lower Orange River. Presentation to the South African Irrigation Institute National Congress, 6-8 May, Goudini, South Africa.