Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/437957
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m J a n - F e b 2 015 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 7 7 a problem over time. Some tubing designed to be buried has copper built into the emitters, others have had herbicides impregnated into the emitters, and other approaches have included periodic injection of copper sulfate and other materials to keep roots from growing into the emitters and plugging them. Con- sequently, buried drip systems are not common in most vineyards. A NEW APPROACH A new approach is being tried by a Napa Valley-based company called Deep Root Irrigation (DRI). The principle is fairly simple, and there are variations of it used in dif- ferent ways. In landscape settings, some people bury perforated pipes vertically around their trees and use a hose to gently apply water into it to put the water deep into the soil, where the trees' roots are more likely to come into contact with it. There are actually commer- cial landscape products that have built-in emitters (bubblers) to apply water, and the pipes open to the surface to allow the appli- cation of fertilizers, as well as providing surface drainage during rain events. These devices are too expensive to be used in a vineyard or orchard, and the rigid plumbing required to distribute water to the system isn't practical. Simpler devices include a short, half-inch piece of drip hose buried vertically into the soil with one end open to the surface; a one-quarter-inch piece of drip tubing is placed in the center, running from an emitter to the bottom of the buried larger tub- ing. This is particularly helpful when you are on a sloping site with soils that have low infiltra- tion rates. The buried drip tubing serves as a buffer to allow the water to percolate into the soil. The DRI system comes in various sizes for different types of plants. The 12-inch size is suited for vines. Wi n e ' s Fi r s t P e r f e c t C l o s u r e Wi n e ' s Fi r s t P e r f e c t C l o s u r e Choose VinPerfect Screwcaps for your next bo ling and experience the difference with our oxy-regula ng closures: "Just a li le bit of oxygen makes a BIG difference." -Tim Keller, CEO •Develop Enhanced Aroma cs •Avoid Reduc on •Control In-Bo le Tannin Matura on •Precise Post-Bo ling Oxygen Control •100% Recyclable, Chlorine & TCA Free p 707.252.2155 f 707.252.2166 vinperfect.com 831 Latour Court, Suite B1 Napa, CA 94558 WINE'S FIRST PERFECT CLOSURE facebook.com/vinperfect Over 16 stock colors in inventory. Cap-top laser engraving with quick turnaround. Complete customiza on available. Call or request a quote online. www.vinperfect.com/order.