Spatial Variability of Production and Quality in Table Grapes 'Flame Seedless' Growing on a Flat Terrain and Slope Site

(1) Background: Precision agriculture has been used mostly to study spatial variability in vineyards for winemaking. Nevertheless, there is little available information on the impacts of its use on table grape vineyards under different slope conditions. (2) Methods: The aim was to study the spatial variability of production and berry quality in 'Flame Seedless' vines established on a flat (3% slope) and sloping (23% slope) terrain in the Chilean hyper-arid northern region. (3) Results: The results showed that in both vineyards, the measured variables presented a high spatial variability according to their coefficient of variation, being higher in slope than in the flat vineyard. The geostatistical analysis showed that 82% of the measured variables presented a strong spatial dependence in the slope vineyard, whereas 45% and 55% of the variables measured in the flat vineyard presented strong and moderate spatial dependence, respectively. Elevation was related to berry quality parameters in both vineyards, while trunk vine circumference was related to berry quality for the slope vineyard and to yield for the flat vineyard. (4) Conclusions: There is an important spatial variability in table grape vineyards mostly those cultivated on slope sites. Therefore, precision agriculture tools can be useful for zoning table grape vineyards, and thus improving both economic returns of viticulturists and sustainability.

Automated summary

The study found higher spatial variability in vineyards cultivated on slopes, and precision agriculture tools can be useful for zoning vineyards to improve economic returns and sustainability.