Integrated Vineyard Management

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Abstract

This subject builds on concepts and key aspects acquired in earlier viticulture-related subjects. Students will focus on key areas that should be considered in managing a vineyard, including vineyard establishment, training, trellising, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, fertilisation, and pest and disease management. In addition, students will explore the principles of managing cover crops and weeds, and techniques for mitigating extreme environmental conditions. Students will also investigate the key concepts related to the management of organic and biodynamic vineyards, and the incorporation of precision viticulture for mitigating vineyard variability.

Syllabus

Propagation of grapevines and selection of planting material;Vineyard site selection;Vineyard establishment and redevelopment;Planting and training of young vines;Trellising of grapevines;Pruning;Canopy management;Vineyard irrigation;Fertilisation and nutrient management;Pest and disease management;Managing cover crops, weeds, frost, heatwaves, bushfires, wildlife, and the harvesting of grapes; andOrganic, biodynamic, and precision viticulture.

Propagation of grapevines and selection of planting material;
Vineyard site selection;
Vineyard establishment and redevelopment;
Planting and training of young vines;
Trellising of grapevines;
Pruning;
Canopy management;
Vineyard irrigation;
Fertilisation and nutrient management;
Pest and disease management;
Managing cover crops, weeds, frost, heatwaves, bushfires, wildlife, and the harvesting of grapes; and
Organic, biodynamic, and precision viticulture.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to evaluate sites and grapevine planting stock as appropriate for establishing a sustainable vineyard;

be able to compare and contrast the different types and underlying principles of trellises and training systems, pruning techniques, and practices of canopy management;

be able to develop vineyard irrigation and fertilisation strategies particularly in relation to the soil properties, and site and environmental characteristics;

be able to analyse the role of vineyard management on vine health, and develop an integrated pest and disease management program in vineyards;

be able to implement management inputs in relation to cover crops, weeds, frost, heat waves, bushfires, wildlife, and the harvesting of grapes, especially with regard to factors affecting grape quality;

be able to discuss the principles and vineyard management techniques as relevant to organic, biodynamic and precision viticulture; and

be able to interpret the scientific literature related to vineyard management.

Assumed knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to VIT211, VIT212 or VIT411 Viticultural Science and PSC215 or PSC416 Plant Physiology

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible

Replacement

Work integrated learning

Placement Duration 7 hours Details 1 day (approx 7hrs) Students will gather knowledge about the soil, variety, rootstock, clone, climate, topography, and management inputs as relevant to a chosen vineyard block. Students will be required to critically assess and evaluate the appropriateness of the management inputs in relation to the … For more content click the Read More button below.

Placement

Duration 7 hours

Details 1 day (approx 7hrs) Students will gather knowledge about the soil, variety, rootstock, clone, climate, topography, and management inputs as relevant to a chosen vineyard block. Students will be required to critically assess and evaluate the appropriateness of the management inputs in relation to the attributes of the vineyard, and match the usual or planned grapevine training, trellising, pruning and canopy management inputs with the characteristics of the vineyard and the grape production goals.

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory work integrated learning will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.