South Africa Wine Research Projects 2026

2. VITICULTURE RESEARCH NEW PROJECT

2.3 SOIL AND WATER

NEW SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND MEASURING WATER USAGE IN WINE GRAPES

SAGWRI CP 26-01 Prof CA Poblete-Echeverria, South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University Project is co-funded by the Water Research Commission Start date: 2026

AIM AND INDUSTRY RELEVANCE: This project is co-funded with the WRC and focuses on improving water management in South African viticulture by developing a low-cost smart irrigation system. By integrating advanced ground-based sensors with artificial intelligence–driven data analytics, the system will provide accurate, real-time estimates of actual evapotranspiration (ETa), the most reliable indicator of vineyard water use. The approach addresses the limitations of existing irrigation tools and remote sensing methods by combining local, in-field measurements with intelligent modelling to deliver practical decision support tailored to vineyard conditions. The primary aim is to develop, validate, and demonstrate a low-cost and scalable smart irrigation system that enables precise, data-driven irrigation scheduling in vineyards. By accurately quantifying ETa in real time, the project seeks to improve irrigation efficiency, optimise water use, and enhance grape yield and quality, particularly for small to medium-scale producers operating under water-limited conditions. Water scarcity is a critical constraint for South African agriculture, and viticulture is especially sensitive to suboptimal irrigation. This project directly supports the wine industry’s strategic objective of improving water-use efficiency by providing a cost-effective, accessible precision irrigation tool. The outcomes will reduce water losses, improve vineyard sustainability and climate resilience, and strengthen the competitiveness of the wine sector. In addition, the project creates opportunities for digital agriculture services aligned with SA Wine’s flagship innovation initiatives, supporting broader adoption of innovative technologies across the industry.

SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESEARCH 2026

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