Effective irrigation depends on understanding how water moves through the soil and how much moisture remains available within the vine’s root zone.
Pridham Viticulture provides vineyard moisture monitoring and irrigation management services using GreenBrain technology. We can assist with probe installation, system setup, ongoing monitoring, maintenance and practical interpretation of the information collected.
Discuss Your Moisture Monitoring Needs with Byron
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Probe Installation & SetupWe assess the vineyard and install moisture probes in locations selected to provide useful and representative information. This service may suit: Vineyards introducing soil moisture monitoring or expanding monitoring into additional blocks. |
Real-Time Moisture MonitoringGreenBrain provides access to moisture readings across multiple soil depths throughout the growing season. This service may suit: Owners and managers seeking clearer information to support day-to-day irrigation decisions. |
Irrigation Scheduling SupportMoisture data is considered alongside weather, vine development and irrigation performance to guide irrigation timing and duration. This service may suit: Vineyards looking to move beyond fixed schedules and make more responsive irrigation decisions. |
Ongoing Monitoring & MaintenanceUnder an annual service arrangement, we can monitor system operation and complete maintenance as required. This service may suit: Businesses seeking ongoing technical support rather than managing the system independently. |
Irrigation System IntegrationMoisture monitoring can be considered alongside controllers, irrigation schedules and broader system performance. This service may suit: Vineyards using smart controllers or seeking stronger coordination between monitoring and irrigation operation. |
Seasonal Water ManagementMonitoring information can support water budgeting, seasonal planning and review of block-to-block water requirements. This service may suit: Vineyards seeking clearer oversight of seasonal water use and changing irrigation demand. |
We install 80-centimetre moisture probes fitted with eight sensors positioned at different depths through the soil profile.
The sensors help show:
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The probes use cellular connectivity to transmit information to the GreenBrain platform, where data can be viewed from a desktop computer or mobile device.
Moisture monitoring does not make irrigation decisions in isolation. It provides better information about what is happening below the soil surface.
When combined with seasonal observations and vineyard knowledge, moisture data can help identify:
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This allows irrigation programs to be adjusted according to actual site conditions rather than assumptions alone.
More Efficient Water UseUnderstanding the soil moisture profile can help reduce unnecessary irrigation and support more targeted water application. |
Seasonal ResponsivenessLive information helps assess the effects of rainfall, heat and drying conditions as they occur. |
Root-Zone VisibilityMultiple sensors show how moisture is moving and being retained at different depths. |
Remote AccessGreenBrain data can be reviewed remotely through a desktop computer or compatible mobile device. |
Reduced UncertaintyClearer information can support irrigation scheduling, water budgeting and operational planning. |
Vineyard PerformanceMaintaining an appropriate moisture profile can support vine function, canopy growth and fruit-production objectives. |
Every vineyard has different soils, rootstocks, topography, irrigation infrastructure and production objectives. Before installing a monitoring system, we consider:
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Where a vineyard contains significant soil or performance variation, more than one monitoring location may be appropriate.
Moisture monitoring is most useful when considered alongside the broader irrigation system. Pridham Viticulture can also assist with:
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Smart controllers such as Galcon systems can support remote scheduling and operation, while moisture monitoring provides information about the result below the ground. Together, these systems can provide greater visibility and control over vineyard irrigation.
Learn more about our vineyard irrigation services.
Moisture-monitoring equipment requires reliable connectivity and ongoing maintenance to remain useful. Annual service arrangements may include:
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The service level can be tailored to the number of probes, vineyard requirements and internal technical capability.
Whether you are installing moisture monitoring for the first time, expanding an existing system or seeking ongoing technical support, Pridham Viticulture can develop an approach suited to your vineyard.
If you are not sure what equipment, monitoring coverage or level of support you need, get in touch. We can discuss your vineyard, irrigation system and the most practical next steps.