ChileanJAR

At the Cauquenes Experiment Station (INIA), in the dyland of south-central Chile, drip irrigation treatments were imposed en two non irrigated vineyards (one about 100 years and the other five years oId), during five growing seasons (1975-1980). Yields were more than two folded and vegetative growth was markedly increased in the irrigated plants. There was no response te irrigation in the first season, because an adaptation period of the vines te Ihe new condition was required. Apparently, the number of emitters is fol as important as the amount of water and the irrigation schedule used. The irrigation requirement per season was much lower than the one previousty estimated. Depending en the rainfall regime, 150 to 300 mm of water supplementation will probably assure an economical viticulture in the zene.