Understanding the reasons for non-adoption of sustained deficit irrigation practices in the Sunraysia wine grape industry.

摘要

As water becomes an increasingly valued resource, communities are pressuring the agricultural sector to reconsider their practices so as to ensure the long-term sustainability of this precious resource. One way the Victorian viticulture industry is responding to this necessity is by investing in precision irrigation innovations, such as sustained deficit irrigation (SDI). SDI is an irrigation technique that allows for the regular application of irrigation water at lower quantities compared with current best management. Research investigating the effects of applying irrigation water at three different irrigation deficits on red wine grape varieties has been undertaken. Initial results indicate that some levels of SDI may have the ability to produce a profitable crop using substantially less irrigation water. These results seemed promising for SDI adoption. To understand if growers will adopt SDI, the Department of Primary Industries' Practice Change Research team conducted a study using a theoretical framework for predicting the adoption of agricultural innovations based on the integration of Consumer Behaviour Theory and Farming Systems Theory. We found that growers used irrigation water as a management tool to produce a profitable crop. Growers applied irrigation water at different rates and frequencies according to growth stage and seasonal requirements, in order to achieve both quality and quantity. Irrigation management decisions were based upon growers' experience, weather forecasts and various soil moisture monitoring tools. Growers, however believed the consequences of applying insufficient irrigation water would be detrimental to their business' viability and believed innovations, such as SDI would increase the likelihood of under irrigating. Given these findings we suggest that, in the current context, adoption is likely to be low. However, with continued long-term research and demonstrations, a persuasive case for SDI's relevance and worth to growers may be made.