Improving water use efficiency of vineyards in the Great Western region by using effluent water and soil amelioration practices

Abstract

Rapid growth of the Australian wine industry in recent years has resulted in a number of challenges, including expansion of wine grape production onto less desirable soil types, and issues of limited water supplies. Expansion of production in the Great Western region of Victoria has been made possible through the supply of recycled water to meet irrigation demands. The impacts of using recycled water for vineyard irrigation was investigated to determine whether there were any impacts to soil properties and vineyard sustainability. Results indicate that soil electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium percentage have increased as a result of irrigation with recycled water, indicating the need to development management strategies to ensure the long term sustainability of this practice.

Summary

Using neutron probe tubes to monitor soil water movement and analysing soil samples and vine perfromance under saline conditions between rows and underneath vines.