WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE WINE SECTOR

nowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire knowledge of the theoretical, methodological, and technological principles for the sustainable management of water resources within the wine production system. In particular, students will be able to understand concepts related to:

• Main hydrological processes and basic principles for estimating grapevine irrigation water requirements using analytical approaches based on agrometeorological observations;

• Criteria for the selection, design, and management of irrigation systems aimed at the sustainable use of water resources;

• Soil and water conservation techniques for controlling surface runoff, reducing water erosion, and increasing soil water storage;

• Natural wastewater treatment techniques and examples of the reuse of winery wastewater.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to:

• Estimate the irrigation water requirements of grapevine crops;

• Process agrometeorological and soil data for the estimation of the soil water balance;

• Select, design, and size an irrigation system suited to the specific soil, climatic, and topographic characteristics of the vineyard;

• Identify critical issues related to surface runoff and water erosion in hillside vineyards and plan appropriate soil and water conservation measures and engineering interventions;

• Plan the sustainable use of process water and develop solutions to reduce the winery’s water footprint;

• Establish design criteria for systems for the treatment, management, and irrigation reuse of winery wastewater, with particular reference to natural treatment systems.

Transversal Skills

• Autonomous judgement: Ability to critically analyse management and environmental issues related to water use in the wine sector and independently identify appropriate technical and sustainable solutions.

• Communication skills: Ability to present issues and solutions related to water management in the wine sector using appropriate technical and scientific language.

• Learning skills: Development of the independent learning skills required to keep up to date with technical and regulatory innovations concerning sustainable water management in the wine sector.

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

Fail (below 18/30):

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations

Use of references: completely inappropriate

18-20:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate

Use of references: just appropriate

21-23:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum accetable level

Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair ability to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner

Using references: use standard references

24-26:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently

Using references: use of standard references

27-29:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30 L:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: important insights

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti). 

What are the key parameters for estimating crop evapotranspiration in a vineyard?

What are the hydraulic design criteria for a drip irrigation line installed on a slope?

What hydraulic-agricultural land management measures are recommended for a hillside vineyard at high risk of erosion?

How can the water-holding capacity of vineyard soil be increased?

What are the main characteristics of winery wastewater?

Describe the operating principle and advantages of a phytodepuration system for winery wastewater.