International Journal of Enology and Viticulture

International Journal of Enology and Viticulture Vol. 6 (12), pp. 001-010, December, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Possible application of differential global positioning system (DGPS) to harvesting date and precision viticulture

D. Stajnko*, B. Pulko and J. Rakun

University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Pivola 10, SI-2311 Hoce, Slovenia.

Accepted 22 October, 2019

Abstract

From 2004 to 2008, the maturity of grapevine (VITIS VINIFERA L.) was researched on the basis of sugar content and total titratable acidity at six locations with an undulating topography in three varieties: 'Chardonnay', 'Riesling' and 'Sauvignon'. All sampling points were geo-referenced simultaneously with differential global positioning system (DGPS) for creating sugar maps. The significant influence of the varying altitude above sea level (from 389 to 462 m) on the concentration of total sugar and the total titratable acidity of grapes were estimated during the ripeness of vine berry from July to September. The results of a five-year study proved that significant improvement of the grapes quality is possible by creating site-specific maps, which enable separate begging of harvest according to the different sea level.