2.9.3 What types of irrigation systems are there?

Gravity-fed irrigation

There are several types of irrigation systems, which differ in the way water is brought to the vines, their water consumption, their efficiency and the equipment required to operate them.

As the name suggests, this type of irrigation system enables irrigation under the rows of vines by moving the water using gravity. A channel is dug at the end of each row and a water outlet is set up at the top of each row. When the water is introduced into the channel, it flows between the rows. The earth between the rows can also be cambered to prevent water from running off the row area. This is an old and not very efficient method in terms of water consumption, but it enables the soil's useful water reserves to be quickly replenished. The efficiency of this system is between 40 and 70%.

Sprinkler irrigation

The system imitates rain by spraying water through mobile cannons over a defined area. The efficiency of this system is high, between 70 and 85%. However, it is not very water efficient and the herbaceous parts (leaves, inflorescences) are also sprayed which can increase the risk of cryptogamic diseases.

Localized systems: drip irrigation

This is the most efficient system (90 to 95%). It is the "standard" in countries that use irrigation. It requires more installation (nozzles or drip feeds, pipes, water source, taps, etc.) than other types of irrigation but is more economical in terms of water consumption. The pipes can be along the rows of vines (attached to the support wire or between the ground and the support wire) or buried. When the pipes are buried, water loss due to evaporation is minimized, but the system must be planned ahead of time to be installed before planting. However, it is important not to begin irrigation too early (during the first few years after planting) to avoid the vines only developing roots at the surface or down to the first layer where there is more humidity.