Search

Sustainability in grapevine cultivation requires the precise use of water and fertilizers, particularly nitrogen (N), to produce grapes of the highest quality for winemaking, while simultaneously avoiding harm to the surrounding waters and atmosphere by reducing NO3− losses and N2O and NH3 emissions from the vineyards. To address the challenge of optimizing N use in viticulture, many N fertilization trials have been carried out over the last decades, and a compilation and analysis of worldwide trials was therefore needed. The present study tackled this challenge through a meta-analysis of published research, which included 374 fertilization trials. From the compiled data, six vine production parameters and eight grape quality traits were extracted and normalized to enable comparisons between experiments. The Mitscherlich law of diminishing returns was able to satisfactorily describe the set of vine production parameters against nitrogen application rate, and the same occurred with the yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN). In vines, both reproductive and vegetative growth similarly responded to the N application rate. In general, the nitrogen requirements for 95% of the maximum grape yield amounted to rates between 30 and 40 kg·N·ha−1, which increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) to values between 0.27 and 0.36 t·kg·N−1. Although several grape quality traits could not be described against the N rate in terms of any mathematical relationship, an N rate between 20 and 25 kg·N·ha−1 could be considered as maximizing grape quality for winemaking. Such N fertilization range increases NUE up to values between 0.41 and 0.47 t·kg·N−1, thus almost doubling the known NUE standards when grape quality is targeted instead of yield, although soil fertility could be exhausted in the mid-to-long term. Whatever the case, anthocyanins and polyphenols are well preserved in red grapes at such low N rates, although YAN is not. The results of this work will be useful for guiding new vine N nu

Almond plantations are expanding worldwide, specifically in Spain; the new orchards are often designed under more intensive systems in comparison to the traditional rainfed orchards frequently found in the Mediterranean Sea basin. In these new areas, water is the main limiting factor, and therefore, the present research is aimed at quantitatively analyzing previous findings obtained in irrigation field trials carried out in Spain with mature almond trees. The goal was to derive applied water-production functions and compare sustained and regulated deficit irrigation strategies to provide robust information on the marginal water productivity and the preferred irrigation option to be applied under water scarcity conditions. This quantitative analysis reported a yield increase as water application increased, with the highest potential yield of about 2500 kg/ha achieved with around 1000 mm of irrigation water applied. Under severe water restrictions, similar responses were observed regardless of the deficit irrigation technique employed. In contrast, under moderate water stress, it seems more advantageous to apply a regulated deficit irrigation strategy rather than a sustained deficit strategy. The reported results are useful for deriving more sustainable irrigation protocols and highlight the need to optimize other inputs in addition to water to take full advantage of the irrigation intensification to be carried out in the new almond plantations.

Warm and semi-arid climates are characterized by rainfall scarcity, resulting in the frequent use of low-quality water for irrigation. This work was undertaken to study the effects of water stress and saline irrigation on yield and grape composition of Monastrell grapevines grafted onto 1103P rootstock. The experiment was carried out during three consecutive seasons in a commercial vineyard located in Jumilla (SE Spain) with a loamy-sandy soil. Rainfed vines were compared with five watering regimes including a Control, irrigated with standard water, and four treatments that combined two different schedules for irrigation initiation (pre- and post-veraison) with saline water obtained by adding two types of salts (sulphates and chlorides). Vines from treatments with more severe water stress (i.e., rainfed) showed lower yields and vegetative growth. Moreover, the Rainfed treatment clearly modified grape composition when compared with the Control treatment by increasing berry phenolic content. The application of saline water slightly affected vine performance and grape composition regardless of the type of salts added to the irrigation water. Indeed, the watering regime had a greater effect on yield, vegetative growth and grape composition than the use of different saline waters. Our results suggest that, in the mid-term (3 years), and with a vineyard soil with good drainage, the use of saline waters is not detrimental to vine performance, but does not improve grape composition. Further research is required to assess the long-term effects of saline water application, particularly in view of the important accumulation of chlorides and sodium in leaf tissues observed in vines watered with salty water at the last season of this experiment.

Water is an essential resource for agriculture, accounting for 40–60% of total water consumption in Europe, mostly used for irrigation [1]. Climate and environmental changes put pressure on the use of water for irrigation, which must reduce water losses and wastages while improving the productivity of irrigated crops [2,3]. Water use optimization is essential for the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, and under the current climate change scenarios (higher air temperatures, more severe drought, and heat waves), since crop yield, quality, and economic viability largely depend on water availability [1,4]. In the case of woody crops, it is a serious concern due to the large extension of these crops in different climatic conditions, the high inputs required for growing them, and the higher water losses due to soil evaporation (i.e., higher bare-soil proportion) in comparison to homogeneous crops. These limitations have driven the research of new strategies for coping with water scarcity, as the development of more efficient irrigation strategies (e.g., subsurface irrigation or regulated deficit irrigation) and sustainable soil management practices (e.g., plastic or vegetation mulching). The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of recent advances in several aspects related to water management in woody crops (i.e., fruit orchards, olive groves, vineyards, citrus, berries, forest stands, shrubs, etc.).

Water availability is endangering the production, quality, and economic viability of growing wine grapes worldwide. Climate change projections reveal warming and drying trends for the upcoming decades, constraining the sustainability of viticulture. In this context, a great research effort over the last years has been devoted to understanding the effects of water stress on grapevine performance. Moreover, irrigation scheduling and other management practices have been tested in order to alleviate the deleterious effects of water stress on wine production. The current manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the advances in the research on optimizing water management in vineyards, including the use of novel technologies (modeling, remote sensing). In addition, methods for assessing vine water status are summarized. Moreover, the manuscript will focus on the interactions between grapevine water status and biotic stressors. Finally, future perspectives for research are provided. These include the performance of multifactorial studies accounting for the interrelations between water availability and other stressors, the development of a cost-effective and easy-to-use tool for assessing vine water status, and the study of less-known cultivars under different soil and climate conditions.

Aim of study: Assessment of toxicity and sublethal effects of registered insecticides currently used in strawberry cultivation in Brazil on Trichogramma pretiosum Riley adults. Area of study: The study was conducted under laboratory conditions in Paraná (Brazil). Material and methods: Previously non-parasitized Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Cambridae) eggs were dipped into insecticide dilutions or control solution. Seven active ingredients were tested: thiamethoxam, abamectin, azadirachtin, spinetoram, chlorfenapyr, lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyriphos. Side-effects of pesticides were quantified by measuring mortality on T. pretiosum females in 24 h, longevity after exposure to the insecticides, parasitism and emergence rates, and offspring sex ratio. These traits were also measured on the second generation. Main results: According to IOBC criteria, thiamethoxam was classified as harmless; abamectin, chlorfenapyr and spinetoram as slightly toxic; azadirachtin and lambda-cyhalothrin as moderately toxic and chlorpyriphos as toxic. The emergence rate of T. pretiosum second generation was not significantly affected by thiamethoxam, abamectin, azadirachtin, and chlorfenapyr. Sublethal effects caused by azadirachtin, abamectin and chlorfenapyr were verified in the second generation. Research highlights: The information generated by this study is useful for designing future biological control strategies in integrated pest management programs against D. fovealis.

Viticulture is facing emerging challenges not only because of the effect of climate change on yield and composition of grapes, but also of a social demand for environmental‐friendly agricultural management. Adaptation to these challenges is essential to guarantee the sustainability of viticulture. The aim of this review is to present adaptation possibilities from the soil‐hidden, and often disregarded, part of the grapevine, the roots. The complexity of soil–root interactions makes necessary a comprehensive approach taking into account physiology, pathology and genetics, in order to outline strategies to improve viticulture adaptation to current and future threats. Rootstocks are the link between soil and scion in grafted crops, and they have played an essential role in viticulture since the introduction of phylloxera into Europe at the end of the 19th century. This review outlines current and future challenges that are threatening the sustainability of the wine sector and the relevant role that rootstocks can play to face these threats. We describe how rootstocks along with soil management can be exploited as an essential tool to deal with the effects of climate change and of emerging soil‐borne pests and pathogens. Moreover, we discuss the possibilities and limitations of diverse genetic strategies for rootstock breeding.

Aroma is a crucial attribute for wine quality, particularly in white wines. Traditionally, the consumption of young white wines is recommended over the year following grape harvest due to potential aroma losses that would worsen wine quality. This study aimed to investigate the evolution of volatile compounds, odor activity value-based aroma notes, and sensory perception in Treixadura (Vitis vinifera L.) dry white wines during a 24-month bottle-aging period. Volatile composition was determined by gas chromatography, and wine sensory evaluation was performed by experts. Wine samples had similar volatile compositions at the time of bottling. The volatile contents of the wines were respectively 322.9, 302.7, 323.0, and 280.9 mg L−1 after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of bottle storage. Most of the volatiles tended to maintain constant concentrations, or with slight increases in all families of volatiles except for acetates and carbonyl compounds, until two years after harvest (18 months of bottle storage) and, then, concentrations reduced sharply. After 24 months of storage in the bottle, the concentrations of terpenes, C6 compounds, higher alcohols, ethyl esters, fatty acids, acetates, carbonyl compounds, and volatile phenols were reduced by 32%, 47%, 11%, 39%, 50%, 74%, 41%, and 54%, respectively. The 18-month bottle-aged wines showed the highest concentrations of volatiles, as well as the best performance in the sensory evaluation, suggesting that a good balance of the aroma attributes was achieved on this date. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Treixadura wines expressed their maximum aroma potential two years after grape harvest.

The European pepper moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a key pest in strawberry production. Entomopathogenic fungi (EF) and parasitoids of the Trichogrammatidae family are effective biological control agents of this pest with the potential to be used jointly for improved efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the susceptibility of Trichogramma atopovirilia and Trichogramma pretiosum to two Beauveria bassiana strains (B2 and B3) and two commercial bioinsecticides (Bovemax® and Methamax®) by applying them to D. fovealis eggs in pre- and post-parasitism periods. Pre-parasitism application of B2 and B3 did not affect the percentage of D. fovealis eggs parasitized by either Trichogramma species, except in the case of T. atopovirilia when eggs were sprayed with B3 at 1.5 × 105 conidia mL−1 (16.7% less than the control). In contrast, eggs sprayed with 1.5 × 108 conidia mL−1 of the commercial bioinsecticides were not parasitized by any Trichogramma species. Overall, the EF tested reduced the parasitism rate, adult emergence, and longevity of Trichogramma adults by less than 30% in all cases. The adverse effects of the B. bassiana strains and commercial products on the biological traits of both Trichogramma species were minimal, meaning that these agents can be used jointly in D. fovealis control strategies.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) can be viable options for biological control of agricultural pests. The selection of fungal strains is crucial for a successful pest control. The current study aimed to determine in the laboratory the susceptibility of different immature stages of Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to EPF strains (Beauveria bassiana Bea111 and Cordyceps javanica Isa340). Immature stages of D. fovealis were sprayed with EPF concentrations from 2 × 103 to 2 × 109 conidia mL−1 and their viability and mortality were evaluated. Lethal time and concentration were estimated for pupae and each larval instar. Virulence depended on strain, dose, and insect life stage. The eggs were resistant to Bea111 and Isa340 strains. Mortality of larvae depended on the EPF strain and the larval instar, with the first instar being the most sensitive. Lethal concentrations for D. fovealis 1st instar larvae were 3.4 × 105 and 1.7 × 107 conidia mL−1 with Bea111 and Isa340, respectively. Isa340 performed better than Bea111 for controlling pupae. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the adhesion and penetration structures of both fungi in the 2nd instar infected larvae 6 h after inoculation, while fungal extrusion occurred between 54 and 94 h after spraying with Bea111 and Isa340, respectively.

This study tested the possibility of improving whole-canopy water use efficiency (WUE) of grapevines (cv. Bobal) by maximizing radiation interception during the mornings and limiting this during the afternoons, when the vapour pressure deficit and the evaporative demand are higher. The three-year study consisted of two trials conducted in parallel on North-South row oriented potted- and field-grown grapevines. In both trials, performance in terms of vine water use, yield and WUE in a vertical shoot positioned (VSP) system was compared with that of vines leaned 30° towards West (WSP). Potted vines were fully irrigated, whereas field-grown vines were submitted to rain-fed and deficit irrigation conditions. In potted plants, there was no difference in daily transpiration between vines from the WSP and VSP treatments, but transpiration in the mornings was higher in WSP vines. Dry matter and berry size increased in WSP compared to VSP vines. In the field, watering regime had a greater effect than canopy inclination on vine performance. Nonetheless, the WSP system increased leaf area by 13%, yield by 12% and WUE by 11% compared to VSP, although differences in WUE were not statistically significant and the effect on yield was negligible under rain-fed conditions. In both trials, the WSP system did not have a major effect on grape composition (soluble solids, pH, total acidity, concentrations of anthocyanins and polyphenols). In conclusion, this pioneering three-year study proved that leaning vine canopies to the West increased grapevine performance despite the great effect that environmental conditions exerted each year on the data obtained. Further research is required to study the effects of different patterns of light interception on carbon balance and grape biochemical composition.

The relation between water-use and intercepted solar radiation depends on many factors involved in vine canopy architecture and physiology. In addition, vine productivity is related to the efficiency with which the intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) is used, which in turn depends mainly on water availability and transport. In hedgerow-managed vines it exists the possibility to modulate IPAR by orienting their rows, influencing water-use efficiency (WUE), defined as dry matter produced by water used. Aiming to unravel the effects of row orientation on WUE, a three-year experiment was carried out in Valencia (Spain) on potted Vitis vinifera (L.) cv. Bobal and Verdejo with vine rows oriented either north-south (NS) or east-west (EW), under no-water restrictions. Simulated radiation interception over the growing seasons at the experimental plot showed an average 39% reduction in daily IPAR when EW was compared to NS. Vine transpiration was quantified by water balance, decreasing by 16% in Bobal and 8% in Verdejo when comparing EW against NS. In both cultivars, this reduction was 18% when considered relative to the total leaf area. Carbon assimilation was not markedly affected by row orientation. Therefore, since in both cultivars minor differences in vine performance occurred between orientations, WUE tended to increase by orienting the rows to the EW compared to NS. This resulted in most of the seasons an increase in water productivity calculated as grape yield/water-use ratio. Leaf gas exchange measurements partially agreed with the radiation interception simulations, suggesting a more complex regulatory mechanism and highlighting the importance of canopy microclimatic conditions in the physiological processes of hedgerow-managed crops. These findings encourage further research under field conditions and different soil water availabilities, aiming to optimize grapevine water productivity.

During the last 7 years, within the framework of projects Riego-Asesor, Phertilizer and “Fertirriego de precisión para un manejo sostenible de la horticultura intensiva. Aspectos agronómicos e implicaciones ambientales” we have conducted multiple open field trials in the Campo de Cartagena and multiple greenhouse experiments in Santomera (Murcia), either in pot or hydroponic. The trials with vegetable crops include endive, baby lettuce, romaine lettuce, summer wonder lettuce, Iceberg lettuce, piel de sapo melon, and potato. The overall objective of all these projects was to make a more efficient use of two mayor resources used in agriculture; water and nutrients, with special focus on nitrogen. Here we resume the most notable results of these experiments; i) the amount of irrigation water applied by farmers was tightly adjusted and this amount closely mimics the FAO recommendations and custom-made water balance model named “Riego-Asesor”, ii) a fertigation strategy aimed to match water and fertilizer inputs with plant demand is key in improving water and nitrogen use efficiency, and simple to use decision support system was designed for this goal iii) irrigation frequency/dose plays a critical role in improving water and nitrogen use efficiency, with high frequency of irrigation resulting in higher yield and lower nitrate leaching iv) knowing how the nitrogen source (nitrate/ammonium) affects growth and development in different vegetable crops can be a further step of adjustment to increase nitrogen use efficiency. All this information can be used to designing fertigation strategies in intensive agriculture that match and integrate water and nutrients supplies with the needs of a given crop under a given growing conditions.

The presence of weeds in the margins of strawberry crops can enhance populations of predatory mites as a measure to support conservation biological control. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the composition of the acarofauna associated with strawberries and the accompanying herbaceous plants in an organic farming system, and (ii) to evaluate the possible relationships between phytophagous and predatory mites occurring in this system. Strawberry leaves and whole plants of weeds were sampled biweekly from August 2014 to February 2015 in Lapa (Paraná, Brazil). In total, 23 weed species belonging to 10 families were identified; 3768 mite individuals (from 15 families and 4 suborders) were recovered, 77% on strawberries and 23% on weeds. Abundance of predatory mites on weeds was greater than on strawberry cultivars. On strawberries, the most abundant family was Tetranychidae (84%) followed by Phytoseiidae (11.6%). In total, 16 predatory mite species from the Phytoseiidae family were identified, 13 of them occurring on strawberry leaflets. Typholodromalus aripo, Neoseiulus californicus and Typhlodromips mangleae were the most abundant mite species on strawberry leaves. On weeds, most individuals were predatory mites (59%), whereas phytophagous mites represented 17.2%. The most abundant family was Phytoseiidae (36.4%). On weeds, the phytoseiid mite T. aripo was the most abundant species, representing 34.7%. Besides being found on strawberry leaflets, T. aripo was associated with 15 weed species. Among the weeds, Bidens pilosa showed the highest values of the Shannon index (1.97), Margalef index (3.04), and Pielou’s evenness index (0.95). This study emphasizes the importance of surrounding weeds as a shelter for beneficial mitefauna in strawberry fields, likely contributing to enhance conservation biological control.

Aim of study: Assessment of toxicity and sublethal effects of registered insecticides currently used in strawberry cultivation in Brazil on Trichogramma pretiosum Riley adults.Area of study: The study was conducted under laboratory conditions in Paraná (Brazil).Material and methods: Previously non-parasitized Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Cambridae) eggs were dipped into insecticide dilutions or control solution. Seven active ingredients were tested: thiamethoxam, abamectin, azadirachtin, spinetoram, chlorfenapyr, lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyriphos. Side-effects of pesticides were quantified by measuring mortality on T. pretiosum females in 24 h, longevity after exposure to the insecticides, parasitism and emergence rates, and offspring sex ratio. These traits were also measured on the second generation.Main results: According to IOBC criteria, thiamethoxam was classified as harmless; abamectin, chlorfenapyr and spinetoram as slightly toxic; azadirachtin and lambda-cyhalothrin as moderately toxic and chlorpyriphos as toxic. The emergence rate of T. pretiosum secondgeneration was not significantly affected by thiamethoxam, abamectin, azadirachtin, and chlorfenapyr. Sublethal effects caused by azadirachtin, abamectin and chlorfenapyr were verified in the secondgeneration.Research highlights: The information generated by this study is useful for designing future biological control strategies in integrated pest management programs against D. fovealis.

Optimizing water use in vineyards is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of viticulture in semi-arid regions, and this may be achieved by minimizing direct water evaporation from the soil through the use of mulching. In this context, the current study aimed at assessing the combined effects of the vine-row application of an organic mulch (vine prunings) and no-tillage under two water regimes on soil properties, plant water and nutritional status, yield and must composition of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Bobal grown under semi-arid conditions. For this purpose, a field experiment in a split-plot design was carried out for three years (2016–2018) in a mature Bobal vineyard located in Eastern Spain. Two soil management strategies (tillage and organic mulching with no-tillage) were assessed under two water regimes (rainfed and deficit drip irrigation) with four replications per combination. Vine responses were determined by measuring midday stem water potential, leaf nutrient concentrations, pruning weight, yield components and grape composition. Soil properties were assessed at the end of the experiment. Mulching and no-tillage positively affected vine water status under both water regimes, resulting in reductions in grape phenolic composition. Interactive effects of both water regime and soil management on water use efficiency were found. Regardless of soil management practice, irrigation increased yield and pruning weight when compared to rainfed conditions. Soil management had slight effects on vine nutritional status. At the end of the experiment, soil compaction increased and infiltration decreased as a consequence of mulching and no-tillage. Organic mulch and no-tillage improved vine water status, however, considering the final soil surface compaction and low water infiltration rate, longer-term studies are necessary to assess the sustainability of combining both practices.

[Abstract] Understanding hydrological processes controlling stream chemistry and quantifying solute concentrations over time is crucial for estimating future alterations of water quality due to land use or climate change impacts, as well as for setting preventive or remedial actions. In the current study, soluble sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations and loads were assessed in waters from two small catchments located at different distances to the sea (9 km Valiñas and 30 km Abelar) in NW Spain from 2003 to 2016. Solute concentrations were determined using spectrometric techniques, while streamflow data were employed for estimating loads. Moreover, concentration-discharge relations were calculated for each solute and catchment. The average concentrations of soluble Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were, respectively, 16.5, 2.6, 7.9 and 4.1 mg L−1 in Valiñas, and 8.2, 0.9, 2.9 and 3.4 mg L−1 in Abelar, although variability among samplings was high. The four soluble ions showed a dilution pattern in Valiñas, whereas in Abelar Na+ tended to a chemostatic behavior and K+ and Ca2+ were positively related to streamflow. In conclusion, the dominant processes controlling these relationships are local and depend on catchment characteristics such as land use (including slurry applications in Abelar), distance to the sea, and vegetation cover.

Water erosion is a severe threat to soil resources, especially on cultivated lands, such as vineyards, which are extremely susceptible to soil losses. In this context, management practices aiming at reducing erosion risks must be favored. This current study aimed at estimating soil losses in two vineyards under Atlantic climatic conditions (Galicia, North West Spain). The capacity of two management practices for reducing soil erosion was tested and compared with tilled soil in the inter-rows: (i) application of mulching, and (ii) maintaining native vegetation. Soil losses were assessed using erosion pins and micro-plots. In addition, the improved stock unearthing method (ISUM) was employed in one of the vineyards to estimate soil remobilization since plantation. Soil loss rates in one of the vineyards were lower when soil was managed under mulching (0.36 Mg ha−1) and native vegetation (0.42 Mg ha−1), compared to tilled soil (0.84 Mg ha−1). Sediment losses measured in the second vineyard ranged between 0.21 and 0.69 Mg ha−1, depending on the treatment, but no clear conclusions could be drawn. Long-term soil loss, as estimated by ISUM, was of the same order of magnitude than that obtained by erosion pins and micro-plots. In both vineyards, soil loss rates were lower than those registered in Mediterranean vineyards, and were below the limit for sustainable erosion in Europe. Nevertheless, soil management practices alternative to tillage in the inter-row might reduce erosion risks under Atlantic climate conditions

Interannual climate variability and management practices, including fertigation, can alter volatile compound concentrations in wines from a given grapevine cultivar. These compounds are highly relevant for wine aroma. The current study aimed to assess the effect of two levels of fertigation on the volatile composition and sensory properties of wines from Albariño grown in two vineyards in NW Spain over three years. Treatments were fertigation to 60% (F-60) and 100% (F-100) of crop needs since budbreak, and a rain-fed control (F-0). Volatile compounds were determined through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and wine sensory evaluation was performed by nine experts using quantitative descriptive analysis. General chemical parameters of wines were similar among treatments; however, F-60 and F-0 slightly reduced volatile total concentrations in both vineyards. Wines from the fertigation treatments had greater concentrations of volatile fatty acids, ethyl esters, acetates and C6 compounds. However, terpene concentrations slightly decreased when fertigation was applied. Higher alcohols showed a different behavior between vineyards, mainly related with grapevine water status during the growing season. Seven sensory descriptors differed significantly between vineyards. This study indicates that fertigation could be a tool for modulating wine chemical and sensory characteristics.

Water erosion is a severe threat to soil resources, especially on cultivated lands, such as vineyards, which are extremely susceptible to soil losses. In this context, management practices aiming at reducing erosion risks must be favored. This current study aimed at estimating soil losses in two vineyards under Atlantic climatic conditions (Galicia, North West Spain). The capacity of two management practices for reducing soil erosion was tested and compared with tilled soil in the inter-rows: (i) application of mulching, and (ii) maintaining native vegetation. Soil losses were assessed using erosion pins and micro-plots. In addition, the improved stock unearthing method (ISUM) was employed in one of the vineyards to estimate soil remobilization since plantation. Soil loss rates in one of the vineyards were lower when soil was managed under mulching (0.36 Mg ha−1) and native vegetation (0.42 Mg ha−1), compared to tilled soil (0.84 Mg ha−1). Sediment losses measured in the second vineyard ranged between 0.21 and 0.69 Mg ha−1, depending on the treatment, but no clear conclusions could be drawn. Long-term soil loss, as estimated by ISUM, was of the same order of magnitude than that obtained by erosion pins and micro-plots. In both vineyards, soil loss rates were lower than those registered in Mediterranean vineyards, and were below the limit for sustainable erosion in Europe. Nevertheless, soil management practices alternative to tillage in the inter-row might reduce erosion risks under Atlantic climate conditions.

This document intends to be a presentation of the Special Issue “Water Management Using Drones and Satellites in Agriculture”. The objective of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of recent advances in the methodology of using remote sensing techniques for managing water in agricultural systems. Its eight peer-reviewed articles focus on three topics: new equipment for characterizing water bodies, development of satellite-based technologies for determining crop water requirements in order to enhance irrigation efficiency, and monitoring crop water status through proximal and remote sensing. Overall, these contributions explore new solutions for improving irrigation management and an efficient assessment of crop water needs, being of great value for both researchers and advisors.

This document intends to be a presentation of the Special Issue “Water Management Using Drones and Satellites in Agriculture”. The objective of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of recent advances in the methodology of using remote sensing techniques for managing water in agricultural systems. Its eight peer-reviewed articles focus on three topics: new equipment for characterizing water bodies, development of satellite-based technologies for determining crop water requirements in order to enhance irrigation efficiency, and monitoring crop water status through proximal and remote sensing. Overall, these contributions explore new solutions for improving irrigation management and an efficient assessment of crop water needs, being of great value for both researchers and advisors

Advances in information and communication technologies facilitate the application of complex models for optimizing agricultural water management. This paper presents an easy-to-use tool for determining crop water demands using the dual crop coefficient approach and remote sensing imagery. The model was developed using Python as a programming language and integrated into an ArcGIS (geographic information system) toolbox. Inputs consist of images from satellites Landsat 7 and 8, and Sentinel 2A, along with data for defining crop, weather, soil type, and irrigation system. The tool produces a spatial distribution map of the crop evapotranspiration estimates, assuming no water stress, which allows quantifying the water demand and its variability within an agricultural field with a spatial resolution of either 10 m (for Sentinel) or 30 m (for Landsat). The model was validated by comparing the estimated basal crop coefficients (Kcb) of lettuce and peach during an irrigation season with those tabulated as a reference for these crops. Good agreements between Kcb derived from both methods were obtained with a root mean squared error ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 for both crops, although certain underestimations were observed resulting from the uneven crop development in the field (percent bias of −4.74% and −1.80% for lettuce and peach, respectively). The developed tool can be incorporated into commercial decision support systems for irrigation scheduling and other applications that account for the water balance in agro-ecosystems. This tool is freely available upon request to the corresponding author.

Adopting cover crops for vineyard soil management can provide several benefits, including soil protection, reductions in vine vigor, and enhancements in berry composition. However, the effects of this practice on wine aroma have seldom been addressed. This study aimed to determine the influence of different cover crops and soil tillage on the must and wine amino acid composition and wine volatile compounds of the red cultivar, ‘Mencía’ (Vitis vinifera L.), grown in Northwest Spain. Treatments consisted of soil tillage (ST), native vegetation (NV), English ryegrass (ER), and subterranean clover (SC). Cover crops did not alter the macro-constituents of musts; however, musts from NV and SC tended to lower concentrations of amino acids. Some color attributes of wines were influenced by cover crops in the vineyard. Methanol and trans-linalool oxide (pyran) concentrations in wines were significantly affected by soil management. Professional tasters encountered differences in visual, aroma, and palate descriptors of wines depending on the treatment imposed in the vineyard. These alterations in sensory properties seemed to obey to slight modifications of wine chemical characteristics due to vineyard soil management. According to these results, cover crops might be useful for modulating wine aroma in humid climates

Amino acids and ammonium are the main nitrogen sources for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and are necessary for the correct development of the alcoholic fermentation. These compounds are aroma precursors and, therefore, variations in their concentrations may influence wine quality. Irrigation might alter amino acid concentrations in grapes. In this context, the effect of irrigation on the amino acid profiles of the white grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) variety Albariño was studied over three consecutive vintages (2012, 2013 and 2014). The experiment was carried out in two vineyards included in two different Appellation of Origin (AOC) in NW Spain. Arginine was the most abundant amino acid found in Albariño musts. Irrigation did not alter the total concentration of amino acids in the must, but it did on certain amino acids, especially methionine. Wines from the different treatments showed similar concentrations of amino acids, except in 2013. Vintage had a strong effect on the amino acid content in musts, likely related to weather conditions.