Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/437909
January 2015 Wines&Vines 51 grapegrowINg with different capacities. One emitter putting out twice as much water as others in the same vineyard will compromise the uniformity of the entire system. "One of the biggest problems I've seen is people will replace emitters as they go," he said. "Every vineyard should have the same exact emitter at each vine." In October Abeles said he had conducted about 10 evaluations and would be following up with vineyard owners to share his findings. He said they could use the information to make improvements where needed and hopefully reduce their overall water use. He added that a small improvement to an irrigation system could result in major water savings. Identify necessary improvements In 2009 vineyard manager Richard Howell arranged for a vineyard evaluation of a 26-acre vineyard located off River Road in the Russian River Valley. He said he found the program quite useful and requested evaluations of other properties he managed. "I was really im- pressed. They took all the data, emitter func- tioning, pressure tests…and put it into a program, and out of that you get a profile of the vineyard," he said. Howell, who specializes in managing small vineyards that are often located at residences, said the evaluations help ensure efficient water use and demonstrate the need for investment to improve irrigation systems. The reports pro- vide accurate and objective information that could convince a vineyard owner to replace a pump or make other investments to make the irrigation system more effective. "This year was a good year to do it, too, because this is a drought year and it's a great year to assess moisture depth and efficiencies. And your vineyards are showing you where they're getting water and where they are not getting water," he said. Using a vineyard evaluation in conjunction with a pump audit through Pacific Gas & Elec- tric's Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program can provide excellent insights for improving one's water use, Howell said. Such programs are also a good example of private companies work- ing with government entities. "The information is invaluable, and you'll also find out where the raccoons are biting into your lines." To schedule an evaluation, or for more information, contact Keith Abeles at kabeles@sonomarcd.org or Frances Knap czyk at frances@naparcd.org. " we have a forward-thinking vineyard community." —Kara Heckert, Sonoma Resource Conservation District