Subsurface Irrigation Field Day on Thursday, June 15

Washington State University’s Pete Jacoby will be hosting a field day Thursday, June 15^th, on subsurface irrigation for commercial vineyards.

Jacoby said there are growers he’s talked to that either have had a bad experience, or know someone who had one with other subsurface systems and this event will allow the ability for him to explain their ideas.

“A new technique that places vertically-placed PVC delivery pipes on either side of the vine and so you can go to an established vineyard and not have to tear out roots and other things or get equipment into high-density plantings.”

The workshop will run from 4-5 at Hogue Ranches in Prosser on North Crosby Road.

Jacoby said there are many benefits that they are discovering while researching their method including better weed control and irrigation efficiency.

“While you may reduce the quantity of fruit that you get, you can increase the value of it to produce, in the case of red wine grapes, really high-quality, premium wine.”

Jacoby said their research isn’t far along enough yet to have recommendations for growers, but that this new method of irrigation holds a lot of promise.

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