Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/116287
EasternWineLab_Mar09.qxp sprayer spray. Move the sprayer from row to row and then move it to the opposite end of the tunnel and repeat. This has been done successfully elsewhere with no perceptible difference between interior plants and perimeter plants. Another system was developed by a group of inventive people where sprays are introduced via a monorail attached to the central high point of the tunnel. A bar was constructed that hung from the rail and spread over the rows. A spray rig was fashioned over each row to cover the vines from top to bottom, and flexible hose was then run up each spray rig to the top of the monorail and back to a hose-containment box. This hose was then fed by a spray tank hooked up to the PTO of the tractor. A pulley system was also integrated into the monorail so that the spray rig could be moved from one end of the tunnel to the other. No one had to be in the tunnel when it was sprayed, and there was no drift outside the enclosure. Fertilization: Whereas it is possible to add nutrients directly into the soil profile in the same manner as is usually done in the vineyard, the tunnel provides unique opportunities to fine-tune the soil nutrition profile. Drip irrigation allows for the injection of nutrients into the irrigation water. Thus nutritional deficits can be managed relatively easily. Bird and pest control: Tunnels offer a unique opportunity to manage bird and pest damage. The perimeter of the tunnel has plastic walls that deer, rodents and other small mammals can't see through; as a result, usually these pests are not much of a problem. The tunnel's biggest advantage in pest control is for protection from birds. The rigid structure of the tunnel allows for the attachment of netting to the hoops so birds will not be able to gain entry into the enclosure. The perimeter attachment also allows free access to the fruit. Harvesting: In many cases, high-quality fruit is hand picked. There is no difference in the methods of harvest in a tunnel environment from that outside the tunnel. It is possible to use mechanical harvesting equipment in a tunnel; the only significant limitation is row height on the boundary rows of each bay. While extensions of the legs are available on certain tunnel hoops, the increase in height will require downgrading the maximum wind the tunnel will be able to sustain. In the future, there will likely be equipment developed that can handle these limitations. Conclusion As demonstrated here, tunnels can provide an alternative mechanism for growing higher valued crops. The primary benefits the tunnel provides are frost protection against crop loss and an increased yield with equal or higher quality fruit than from vines grown outside the tunnel. Just with the increased yield, the tunnel pays for itself in three years. Additional benefits include adjusting ripening times for process convenience, water control, spray reduction and greater sustainability of the vineyard from farming practices. WE This article is the second in a series to explore the means and potential for changing viticultural practices to enhance quality, consistency, value and sustainability. Dr. Richard Carey is president of Vitis Wine Center and winemaker for Tamanend Winery in Lancaster, Pa. He has written numerous articles on new technologies for the grape and wine industry as well as a series of articles on laboratory analyses in Wine East. WineEast 1/22/09 9:47 AM Page 1 EASTERN WINE LABS Serving the Analytical needs of East Coast Wineries WWW.EASTERNWINELABS.COM Ph 609-859-4302 Cell 609-668-2854 chemist@easternwinelabs.com AOAC Member Wildlife Control • Bird netting • Side Applied Netting • BirdGard • Scare Devices • Deer Fence & Deterrents Trellis Supplies • Notched Metal Post, Wood • Anchors • Wire • Tools • Gripples • Dura-Line Training & Tying Supplies •Tree-fix • Wire ties • AgLoc • Klip-on • Grow Tubes • Training Stakes • Tying Products Spring Pruning and Tying Supplies FINGER LAKES TRELLIS SUPPLY BUY ONLINE! www.fingerlakestrellissupply.com 315-904-4007 info@fingerlakestrellissupply.com 4041A Railroad Ave. Williamson, NY 14589 Win es & V i n es A PRI L 20 13 91