Reduction of Evapotranspiration in Microenvironment Conditions of Table Grape Vineyards Protected by Different Types of Plastic Covers

Abstract

Saving water is a major challenge to increase environmental sustainability, particularly in semi-arid regions where most table grapes are produced. Water use is driven by atmospheric demand, which combines effects of solar radiation (prominent factor), wind, air temperature and humidity. Covering table grapes with transparent plastics is spread in many regions. Covers lower incoming solar radiation and wind speed, changing air temperature and humidity. This study assessed the effects of two plastic covers on reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in comparison to the open field. For two years, two vineyards (cv. Victoria) trained to overhead trellis systems (tendone) were covered with two transparent polyethylene sheets: an agrotextile fabric (C), and a commercial film (S). The sheet spectrophotometric properties were analyzed and the radiometric coefficients calculated. Micrometeorological data were recorded in the covered vineyards and in a nearby uncovered one. ET0 was calculated for June and July using the simplified Penman–Monteith equation. The coefficient of transmissivity to total photosynthetic radiation, a proxy of net radiation, was 73% for cover C and 83% for cover S. On average, ET0 decreased by 35% under cover C and 31% under cover S. Hence, in addition to providing protection from external agents, covers represent a valid tool for saving water in table grape viticulture; nevertheless, their radiometric properties should be considered and optimized to better achieve this goal.