In some cases, depending on the type of soil and climate, irrigation is essential for the vines to survive and for the quality of production. In other cases, for example, when irrigation is implemented on an as-required basis, it is possible to adopt certain practices in order to reduce water consumption:
o Planting density: in the current context of climate change and/or when a vineyard is repeatedly subjected to significant water stress over a period of years, it can be beneficial to reduce planting densities. A reduction in the number of vines per hectare reduces competition for water and mineral resources. This parameter is linked to the desired yields.
o Choice of plant material: it can be possible to choose a more vigorous, hardier rootstock that is more resistant to drought and requires little or no irrigation.
o Vineyard management: the reduction of water stress is complex and requires adapting management and production methods. For example, grass cover can be managed as a mulch in order to maintain moisture in the soil. Fertilization must also be adapted and optimized (for example, avoid overly regular inputs of nitrogen which encourage vigour, or try to maintain a high level of organic matter which enables good water retention). Vineyard operations can also be reviewed: reduce the fruit load and reduce leaf density (the denser the canopy, the higher the evapotranspiration), etc.