FABAL (Food and Beverage Australia Limited), a commercial viticultural company based in South Australia has investigated the use of remote sensing satellite imagery as a tool to assist in the evaluation of an extensive mulching exercise.

Remote sensing of vine or plant biomass is now readily available. The infra-red imagery produces a graduated scale of plant biomass or vigour. The imagery in conjunction with standard experimental controls has been demonstrated to provide a valuable means of evaluating the positive outcomes of mulching programs.

An extensive program involving the mulching of over 600ha of commercial vineyards in the Langhorne Creek region of South Australia was carried out in 2004. The program was primarily focused at achieving reductions in water use to offset the season's 30% restrictions. Evaluation involving soil sampling, vine nutrient status, water use, yield and vine growth rates have also been incorporated. The study is ongoing with a target to determine the performance of the various mulch types over the coming seasons.

What do the images show?  The remote sensing imagery is produced taking satellite captured infra red reflections and grading all vines/plants into 5 vigour or biomass classes.  The areas are the most vigorous and the blue represent the poorest growth.  The following image is of a 20 hectare section of Sangiovese grown in Langhorne Creek. The block has previously been highly variable with generally suboptimal shoot and vine growth.  The specific targeting of this block with two types of mulch has been undertaken to evaluate the various mulches for their capacity to improve vine growth. As will be seen both mulches have improved vine growth however the composted green organic mulch has produced a superior outcome.