GIS AND VITICULTURE

Todd Raugewitz
American River College, Geography 26: Data Acquisition in GIS; Spring 2002

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become the backbone of precision farming. The combination of technologies including GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and imagery, allows a grower to track information relating to crops and map the location of features that affect crop productivity. The ability of a GIS to integrate information from many sources makes it appropriate for use in vineyard management. The purpose of this project was to research how GIS is currently being used in vineyard management and apply this knowledge hands on to meet the needs of a local viticulturist.

Willow Point Vineyard: A Case Study in GIS Implementation

Willow Point Vineyard is located near the town of Clarksburg twenty miles south of downtown Sacramento along the Sacramento River. The vineyard is comprised of fifty-five acres of fertile river bottomland. Within its boundaries are three distinct soil types. The needs of the grower were to geo-reference the vineyard along with the soil zones and apply this to future nitrogen applications. Like so many other vineyards, Willow Point was converting to Precision Agriculture.

Background: Precision Agriculture

Farm fields are seldom homogeneous in terms of soil characteristics. Correctly identifying these areas of variability and precisely locating them so people or machinery can pinpoint them easily is the first stage of precision farming. This allows growers to treat a zone within a field as a separate target rather than the whole field on an average basis. Inputs such as tillage, soil amendments, foliar applications, or fertilizers are then applied only where needed. The results are increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved production. (Gordon, 1997)

Methods: Building the GIS

Gathering the Data

Fieldwork was conducted under the supervision of the grower to ensure accuracy. Data was collected using GPS (Garmin eTrex Summit and 12XL) and stored in the form of Waypoints. These geo-referenced points would be used to correctly identify spatial features within the vineyard. Two features include the vineyard itself, including boundaries and identifying each of the three distinct soil zones. The waypoints themselves would have limited meaning until placed upon associated layers. Once completed the first maps could be produced.

Creating Sample Maps

The first maps were created using Delorme Topo USA version 2.0 1997. These simple maps were used in the field to take notes while gathering waypoints. The second mapping process would involve correct placement of the GPS data into a true GIS. The points were extracted using Waypoint Plus software and placed into its own layer and could be viewed using Esri Arc View 3.2. Other layers were collected from California Fish and Game data. These shapefile layers included roads and hydrology. Images were also found through MS Terraserver.

Interpreting Results

Sample Maps were taken back into the field for testing accuratecy of data. Once corrected all information was brought before the grower for further analysis. The grower was able to correctly label soil zones based upon past soil lab results. This new information was brought back into the GIS utilizing Esri Arc GIS software. Soil zones were digitized into polygons and attributes were assigned. Attributes included soil type, nitrogen needs, and size in acreage. Once completed final maps could be produced and implementation could begin.

Results: Implementation

Analysis: Successes and Difficulties

Successful completion of the Willow Point Vineyard GIS was based on accuracy of final data and by meeting the grower's needs through use of appropriate technology. All difficulties were overcome by utilizing multiple GIS software systems as compared to dependency on just one format. Such difficulties included recalculation of initial errors in GPS points and point conversion using Waypoints Plus software.

Conclusion

With a GIS of the vineyard the grower can now make the transition to precision agriculture. Accurate coordinates allow the viticulturist to treat each soil zone individually and precisely. Within the near future the vineyard plans to purchase a Variable Rate Spreader. Complete with its own computer and GPS on board this spreader loaded with information from the GIS will automatically apply the right amounts of nitrogen fertilizer for each identified zone throughout the vineyard. The GIS completed in this project will serve as a basis upon which future applications can be added tailored around the needs of Willow Point Vineyard.

References

Gordon, A. Donald; 1997 Vineyard and Winery Management: A Case Study in GIS Implementation: ESRI User Conference

Hill, Veeder; The Hess Collection Winery: Vineyard Viticulture Map

ESRI Agriculture Services: http://www.esri.com/mapmuseum/mapbook_gallery/volume16/agriculture3.html

GIS Solutions for Farm and Vineyard Management Using Precision Farming Technology http://www.vestra.com/documents/services/farmvine.htm