This season we are trialling an Ecowitt SensorArray Weather Station in Backyard-Vineyard. It gives an array of microclimate observations: temperature, %RH, rainfall, solar irradiance, UV index, wind speed, wind direction and barometric pressure.

All these parameters can be used to extend the scope of Corbeau’s machine learning for vineyard temperature forecasting. Ecowitt provide a user dashboard which we configured to update every 10 minutes. In addition, this web page provides summary information for farmers to support cultivation decisions.

Growing Degree Days are useful to assess the likely dates for flowering, berry formation and ripening.

Cumulative At Risk Hours are useful for timing spraying against mildew spread. 

Accurate temperature forecasting for the vineyard microclimate is essential so that spring frosts can be mitigated with as much warning as possible.