Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 304-312 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 308 Figure 3 Optimizing precision irrigation management in Spanish vineyards using NDVI analysis (Adopted from Bellvert et al., 2020) Image caption: Study area shown as: a location of the vineyard (41° 39′42.92ʺ N, 0° 30′59.48ʺ E), Lleida (Spain) with the distribution of different varieties and airborne-acquired high-resolution interpolated NDVI map from July 2015, b classification of the NDVI map into three categories: High, Medium and Low using a K-mean clustering analysis, and c irrigation sectors classified by category. Symbols indicate the location of the ‘smart points’ (Adopted from Bellvert et al., 2020) 4.4 Strategies for enhancing fruit quality In California, a vineyard has leveraged remote sensing technologies to optimize harvest timing, ensuring that grapes are picked at their peak sugar content. Remote sensing provides detailed insights into the spatial variability of grapevine vigor and health, which are critical factors in determining the optimal harvest time (Hall et al., 2002). By utilizing high-resolution imagery and vegetation indices, the vineyard can monitor changes in grapevine physiology and sugar accumulation, allowing for precise timing of harvest operations (Hall et al., 2002; Ferro and Catania, 2023). This approach not only enhances fruit quality by ensuring that grapes are harvested at their optimal ripeness but also contributes to the overall sustainability of vineyard management by reducing the need for chemical interventions and improving resource efficiency (Hall et al., 2002; Mucalo et al., 2024). The use of remote sensing in this context exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to improve both the quality and sustainability of viticulture practices (Hall et al., 2002; Ferro and Catania, 2023). 5 Contributions of Precision Viticulture to Sustainability 5.1 Reducing resource waste Precision viticulture plays a crucial role in minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides by employing site-specific management techniques. This approach allows for the precise application of inputs only where needed, significantly reducing waste and environmental impact. For instance, the application of the reduce principle in precision farming can cut fertilizer waste by up to 50%, thereby enhancing land productivity and minimizing harmful environmental effects such as groundwater pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (Undari and Arista, 2024). Additionally, precision agriculture substitutes information and knowledge for physical inputs, reducing environmental loading by applying fertilizers and pesticides only where and when they are needed (Bongiovanni and Lowenberg‐DeBoer, 2004). 5.2 Optimizing energy consumption The use of precision equipment in viticulture can lead to a reduction in energy inputs, which is both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial. A life cycle assessment of vineyards using precision viticulture techniques showed a reduction in the product carbon footprint (PCF) of grapes, with within-farm energy use being a
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