VASCM: thoughts on water

[Prudy Foxx]

> I have received many questions about winter irrigation lately.  Here are some general thoughts to share:
> 
> Vineyard water management decisions are based on many factors including: site, soil type, vine age, irrigation management history, varietal, rootstock and production goals.
> 
> In a nutshell, if you have young vines or sandy soil it you could have started watering already.  The heavier your soil, the older your vines, the smaller your production goals, the less you need to water.
> 
> As Spring approaches and soil temperatures rise it will become more and more difficult to saturate the soil especially if we do not get any significant rain.
> 
> Ironically sandy soils dry up faster but they also take water more easily.  The clay soils stay wet longer but if you allow them to totally dry out they can be difficult to rewet.  This is a reason to add water before the soil dries out completely.
> 
> Be judicious in your irrigation practice.  You may have to start watering slowly to encourage soil saturation without wasting the water.
> 
> Budbreak will probably start early this year and when it does the vine will start actively seeking water.  You want to water ahead of this event to support fruitful bud formation.  Mother Nature usually does this for us and she still may but the soil profile will be harder to penetrate at this point.
> 
> Mulching should be considered carefully.  If we get big rains then mulching can contribute to erosion control.  However if we only get small rains the mulch might compete with the vines for the water.  Some sources of mulch have high absorption rates and may keep the water from reaching the soil or the vines.  It may be worth watching the weather forecast before automatically spreading mulch on dry soil.
> 
> I hope this gives you some help toward making the best decision for your vineyard.  Good luck!
   
> Prudy Foxx
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