A new scientific article has been published entitled "The pitfalls of water potential for irrigation scheduling".

Abstract: The water potential (Ψp), has been widely used as an indicator of plant water status for irrigation management purposes. The simple infrastructure needed for its measurement and its direct relation to basic plant physiological processes, have contributed to the popularity of the methodology. When used for irrigation scheduling, it is commonly assumed that an unavoidable relationship exists between plant transpiration (T), soil water content and Ψp. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that variations in Ψp are not solely related to changes in soil water content, but are also an expression of the interaction between the plant and its environment. We used a soilplant-atmosphere-continuum (SPAC) model to highlight the importance of considering such interactions through a series of in silico experiments. Our analysis shows that evaporative demand, the hydraulic architecture of the plant, and the texture and depth of the soil play key roles in the final Ψp observed. To establish irrigation programs based on Ψp, without considering the environmental and plant factors that influence it, can create the paradox of having a plant that suffers greater water stress even when high irrigation volumes are applied. The conclusions from our in silico analysis provide some warnings that should be considered when using Ψp to schedule irrigation.

Download the full article from here

VISCA e-workshop: Discover how VISCA DSS supports viticulturists in climate change adaptation
(Registration is open)

Date: 29th October 2020
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm CET (2 hours)

Our consortium is pleased to invite you to 'VISCA e-workshop' to be held online on Thursday, 29th October 2020 from 10:00am-12:00 pm CET. The e-workshop aims to bring wine growers, agronomists, scientific community, commercial partners and others to discover the latest release of VISCA Decision Support System (DSS), its added value and how it supports viticulturists in adapting to climate change. Also, the commercial opportunities and the exploitation of the tool will be discussed.
VISCA e-workshop is expected to be interactive with feedback collection and Q&A sessions during presentations. Registration to the e-workshop is open until 28 October 2020 [click here]. After registration, the link to connect to the meeting will be sent. 

Agenda:

• Short introduction on VISCA project
• Presentation of the VISCA DSS (phenology, irrigation and weather forecasts information widgets) 
• Presentation of results achieved, key finding from the demonstration sites
• VISCA commercial strategy & opportunities
• Conclusions