The summer of 2010-11 is the demonstration year, in which all farmers, irrigation advisors, water user associations and irrigation boards have free online access to weekly updated semi-real-time information on their production, irrigation water demands and crop nitrogen status. Information is available for vineyards in De Doorns, Worcester, Stellenbosch, Somerset West, Paarl, Wellington, Citrusdal and Vredendal.

The project aims at:

• increasing the water use efficiency in vineyards;
• promoting sustainable optimal resource utilization;
• reducing input costs (e.g. fertilizers); and
• protecting the environment.

For a limited number of “demonstration farmers” the project produces regular irrigation advice. As a demonstration farmer you are requested to provide inputs on your field boundaries and irrigation management. At some of the demonstration farms soil moisture status and surface temperature will be monitored throughout the growing season.

To make a success of the project, your participation is essential. You will have online access to all data. Visitors to the website are encouraged to provide feedback on the data provided. Furthermore we need to know your specific needs concerning irrigation advice in order to further improve the tool.

For more information, please contact the GrapeLook team (info(at)grapelook.co.za): Annemarie Klaasse (a.klaasse(at)waterwatch.nl) or Caren Jarmain (jarmainc(at)ukzn.ac.za). You can also download the flyer.

	Sept. '04 - Apr. '05	Sept. '05 - Apr. '06	Sept. '06-Apr. '07
Water consumption
Table grape yield
Wine grape yield
Table grape water use efficiency
Wine grape water use efficiency
Biomass production
Biomass water use efficiency