Re: Reality Check - Vine Irrigation Needs

Good advice. Thanks Stefan!

On 10 May 2007 10:21:29 -0700, smazur@xxxxxx wrote:

On May 9, 12:15 am, Charles E <nos...@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Anyone out there know of a good rule-of-thumb for general water
demands for a vine? All the data I can find calls for an excess of
27,000 gallons per acre per week. That equates to 80 hrs per week
irrigation (based on our irrigation system capacity) and over $400 a
month in water (municiple source) where we live in North Alabama...
And our vinyard is only 1 acre!!! Surely this can't be a real number!
Anyone willing to offer a more realistic number for approx gallons per
vine per week?

I do not know what vines you are growing and what your season looks
like exacly in Alabama, but I would venture to guess that save for the
1st year, you won't need much added water. Your numbers are high and,
unless you are in the middle of a desert, this much water will
probably prevent the roots of the plant from digging deep (something
you want them to do).

Mother nature will most likely bring most of the water you need. Watch
for early sign of dehydratation and intervene when you see them. After
a couple of seasons, you'll get the feel of it. But again, it's better
for them to suffer a little then to be over watered (unless producing
X gallon of wine, regarless of quality, is of crtitical importance to
you).

To get a precise answer to your question, you will need someone who
knows the climate and the soil conditions where you are. It makes a
lot of difference.


Thanks,
Charles Erwin

Stefan Mazur

.

Relevant Pages

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