Mobile Water Lab for Vineyards

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The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District is pleased to introduce a program to provide support for vineyard water conservation efforts in the Dry Creek, Alexander and Knights Valley regions of the Russian River watershed by improving irrigation efficiency and awareness of water conservation tools. Water conservation can be enhanced through evaluation and regular maintenance of irrigation systems and, where appropriate, by exploring alternatives methods for frost protection measures. Participation in this program is voluntary and all evaluation results are confidential.

Services available to vineyards through this program:

• Free on-site evaluations of irrigation system efficiency for vineyard owners and managers, including:
  • Measurements of distribution uniformity, pump efficiency, drip and microspray application rates, pressures, flows and water quality.
  • Confidential recommendations for best management practices for irrigation scheduling, irrigation improvements, cover crop management and frost protection alternatives.
  These evaluations will be performed using standard procedures developed by California Polytechnic Institute and California Department of Water Resources. Evaluations will involve the participation of the land owner or manager, and will take 4 to 6 hours to complete.
  
  
• Demonstrations of equipment for measuring vine water status and soil water content to support accurate irrigation systems schedules and improved water budgeting.
  
  
• Assistance with potential cost share programs, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), to offset costs for growers interested in implementing recommended changes to irrigation systems. Examples of practices for possible cost share include:
  • Infrastructure improvements for irrigation and frost protection (micro-sprinklers, fans, cold air drain, etc.)
  • Monitoring tools to assess soil and vine water status for more accurate irrigation timing.
• Workshops, tailgate meetings and online resources on vineyard water conservation

Potential benefits for vineyard owners:

• Improved water conservation
• Decreased pressures on natural resources
• Increased energy efficiency and lower costs
• Improved stream flow
• Increased productivity and/or product quality
• Improved water quality

Program Partners:

This program is currently funded by the NRCS's Conservation Innovation Grant Program. Technical advisors include NRCS, Mark Greenspan of Advanced Viticulture LLC, the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, and UC Cooperative Extension.

For more information about the Mobile Water Lab Program please contact: Valerie Minton at 707-569-1448 x 102 or email: vminton@sotoyomercd.org, or click here to sign up.