Handbook for Irrigation of Wine Grapes in South Africa

Foreword

I met Philip Myburgh in 1976 and we worked together for a number of years on the irrigation of wine grapes. It was also my privilege to keep track with his outstanding research over a period of 42 years. He dedicated his whole career life to irrigation research and the result is clear for everyone to see and appreciate. In my opinion there is no one better equipped and experienced to have written this book on a topic of critical importance for South Africa. The Western Cape of South Africa is in the midst of the most serious drought since the recording of weather data started in the 19th century. The scarcity of water as well as

Dr Johan van Zyl

the competition for water between users other than agriculture forces everybody, including the wine industry to use this finite resource optimally. This book therefore comes at a most opportune time. “Handbook for irrigation of wine grapes in South Africa” brings together information that has been “fragmented” among many articles, projects, observations and reports and over a long period of time. But the book offers much more. The author succeeded in converting information into knowledge that he then presents as practical recommendations. The book is furthermore also testimony and a tribute to the excellent quality and growth in the volume of irrigation research for the wine industry in South Africa. A substantial portion of the contents is based on Dr Philip Myburgh’s own research, but also includes all other South African research and

4 IRRIGATION OF WINE GRAPES