Difendere il vigneto dal clima che cambia: il progetto SOS-VIGNE

[Autom. eng. transl.] The wine sector is increasingly affected by the effects of climate change, pushing producers to adopt innovative and sustainable strategies to deal with increasingly frequent adverse events. A clear example is represented by particularly hot summers that lead to an excessive acceleration in the ripening of grapes resulting in an imbalance between technological, polyphenolic and aromatic ripening. Furthermore, the combined effect of high temperatures and high light radiation can cause sunburn on the bunches with a consequent negative effect on the quality and quantity of the grapes. Another phenomenon linked to climate change is that of late spring frosts: mild winters lead to early vegetative awakenings that expose the shoots to a greater risk of frost capable of compromising the entire production. The SOS-VIGNE project, funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region, operates in this context, with the aim of creating, testing and disseminating a new-concept multipurpose irrigation system, inspired by criteria of reduced water and energy consumption, suitable for preventing three main climatic adversities in the vineyard: late frosts, overheating and scalding of the bunches, water stress. The irrigation system was created by the company Irrigazione Veneta S.R.L., with automation provided by Giona S.R.L. The research activities were conducted by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore at the Società Agricola Cantina Colle del Podio S.S whose vineyards are already equipped with a micro-sprinkler irrigation system.