Mike Bobbitt & Associates

Vine Row Illumination and Orientation Analysis

Vine Row Illumination

MB&Assoc. has developed a technique to 3 dimensionally model and graphically display sun exposure to the fruit zone for vine rows at various orientations, different times of the day and for different days of the year. The method takes into account the location of the site on the globe, slope and aspect of the vineyard site, along with trellising parameters such as row spacing, vine height and fruit wire location.

With this analysis the optimum vine row orientation for a specific site can be determined based on the performance goals for a vineyard. For a site and variety combination where climatic conditions might make maturing the fruit challenging, determining a row orientation that maximizes fruit sun exposure might be the goal. For other areas and varieties where the potential for shrivel and fruit sunburning exists, minimizing sun exposure and maximizing the fruit shading effects of the canopy may be the goal. This technique provides a tool for visualizing the combination of these different factors to arrive at an optimum solution.

To view an example of a Vine Row Illumination Scenario please

Side Slope Analysis

Using the abilities of GIS to work with elevation information, MB&Assoc. has developed a technique to predict the varying amounts of equipment side slope to be expected across a vineyard site for different row orientations.

With this tool you are able to determine what the farmability limits of various row orientations will be as slope and aspect change across a vineyard site.

To view an example of an Equipment Side Slope Analysis please