Williamson et al. (2026) Variability in the Vineyard: A Multi‐Method Approach in Determining Grapevine Evapotranspiration Across Different Varietal Blocks

⚠️ Warning: This summary was generated from the abstract only, as the full text was not available.

Identification

• Journal: Hydrological Processes
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-08-01
• Authors: Jessica Williamson, Richard Michael Petrone, Riccardo Valentini, Andrew G. Reynolds
• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.70636

Research Groups

• University of Guelph (Department of Plant Agriculture)
• Ontario Institute of Technology (Faculty of Science)

Short Summary

This study investigates the variability of evapotranspiration (ET) in vineyards using a multi-method approach, combining atmometer ET gauges and the FAO-56 dual crop coefficient procedure. The research reveals significant differences in ET among various cultivars and sites.

Objective

• Investigate the spatial and temporal variability of evapotranspiration (ET) in vineyards across different cultivars and management conditions.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Vineyard-scale, with two research sites in the Niagara region (Beamsville and Jordan)
• Temporal Scale: Growing season (across multiple years)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: FAO-56 dual crop coefficient procedure
• Data sources: In-field atmometer ET gauges, satellite data, and reanalysis products

Main Results

• Variability in climatic controls influences crop ET for each cultivar at both vineyards.
• White cultivars (Chardonnay and Riesling) exhibit consistent atmometer reference ET (ET0) and water stress adjusted crop ET (ETcadj).
• Pinot Noir grapevines show lower daily atmometer ET0, likely due to increased canopy shading or reduced wind turbulence.
• The coefficient Kcb is consistent for all cultivars at both sites, while Ke shows a relationship between soil water balance controlling water loss.

Contributions

This study provides original insights into the spatial and temporal variability of ET in vineyards, highlighting the importance of considering climatic controls and management conditions when assessing water loss and stress. The use of atmometers with adjustments by the FAO-56 dual crop coefficient approach offers a simple and cost-effective method for growers to understand differences in vineyard-scale meteorology and water loss.

Funding

• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Citation

@article{Williamson2026Variability,
  author = {Williamson, Jessica and Petrone, Richard  Michael and Valentini, Riccardo and Reynolds, Andrew G.},
  title = {Variability in the Vineyard: A Multi‐Method Approach in Determining Grapevine Evapotranspiration Across Different Varietal Blocks},
  journal = {Hydrological Processes},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1002/hyp.70636},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.70636}
}