Applications of the Precision Viticulture Techniques in the Chianti District

The diffusion of precision viticulture approach in the last decade thanks to the new achievements and developed tools, have enabled new site-specific management possibilities. The aim of this study was the evaluation of proximal surveying for monitoring and to highlight the variability within vineyards. Specifically the study shows some results of ongoing trials that are aimed to define simplified tools and protocols reliable on farms in order to exploit grape variability and reduce the cost related to pest control. In this regard, the technological innovations comparable with precision agriculture are able to provide optimal solutions in order to achieve agricultural sustainable practices. To this end in order to evaluate the usefulness of proximal sensing a ground monitoring system equipped with two types of sensors to define vineyard features i.e. the plant vegetative vigour indexes (NDVI vigor index) and the canopy volumetry was implemented.

This work was conducted in three experimental Sangiovese vineyards selected in the Chianti Classico DOCG area. Results obtained through the optical and ultrasonic sensors showed the utility of such systems as tools to improve grape knowledge and vine quality achievable by selective harvest and also through the pesticide calibration on the canopy features.