Tools and techniques for managing rootzone salinity

摘要

Background-Vignerons practicing precision irrigation for improved grape quality in semi-arid and arid regions are increasingly experiencing a gradual accumulation of salt in the rootzone. The risk of excessive salt accumulation has been even greater during the current drought years when vineyards are under-irrigated with water of often higher salinity. Many Australian grape growers in south eastern Australia have reported elevated levels of sodium and chloride in leaves, berries and wine. Highly efficient irrigation with moderately saline water often results in insufficient leaching of residual salts, which in-turn threatens the sustainability of viticulture. Recognising the need for simple methods and tools to estimate in-field deep drainage and monitor real-time rootzone salinity, we developed three grower-friendly tools.