Abstract
Future climate conditions may jeopardize the suitability of traditional grapegrowing areas in the Mediterranean. However, precise vineyard management is a crucial component of adaptation strategies aimed at optimizing resource efficiency, which is essential for sustainable farming practices. A fine-scale characterization, based on the spatial variability of soil’s physical–chemical and hydrological traits combined with temporal variability of vine canopy temperature extracted from UAV thermal images has been adopted in a rainfed vineyard of central Italy, for better understanding the impact of soil and climate abiotic factors in the vineyard for planning precision adaptation strategies encouraging sustainable resource use. This study identifies significant soil heterogeneity within the tested vineyard, affecting water retention, nutrient availability, and vine water stress. We combined ground-based measurements with remote sensing-enhanced data spatialization and helped to advocate for site-specific management techniques as short and long-term strategies (such as canopy management, deficit irrigation, and compost application) to counter climate emergencies, restore soil health, and preserve vine function and economic yields.
Reference
Moresi, F.V.; Cirigliano, P.; Rengo, A.; Brunori, E.; Biasi, R.; Scarascia Mugnozza, G.; Maesano, M. Monitoring Abiotic Stressors in Rainfed Vineyards Involves Combining UAV and Field Monitoring Techniques to Enhance Precision Management. Remote Sensing. 2025, 17, 803. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17050803