Plant Water Stress Monitoring

Northwest Vineyard Service measures plant water stress using a pressure chamber.  During mid day we sample leaves and use the chamber to determine the demand for water within a plant.  Heat, humidity, wind and other factors increase the moisture transpiration imposed on the plant by the environment.  By taking readings over the course of a season we are able to evaluate plant water stress and help growers come up with plans for managing the stress imposed on the plants.  We have tested vineyards over many different soil types, trellis types, row orientations, rootstocks and variety/clone combinations.  Both Soil Moisture Monitoring and Plant Water Stress Monitoring will allow a more efficient use of precious water reserves in irrigated vineyards.