Introduction to AI in Vineyards
By SARAH PARVINI
LOS ANGELES (AP) — When artificial intelligence-backed tractors became available to vineyards, Tom Gamble wanted to be an early adopter. He knew there would be a learning curve, but Gamble decided the technology was worth figuring out.
Early Adoption and Precision Farming
The third-generation farmer bought one autonomous tractor. He plans on deploying its self-driving feature this spring and is currently using the tractor’s AI sensor to map his Napa Valley vineyard. As it learns each row, the tractor will know where to go once it is used autonomously. The AI within the machine will then process the data it collects and help Gamble make better-informed decisions about his crops — what he calls “precision farming.”
Benefits of AI in Vineyards
“It’s not going to completely replace the human element of putting your boot into the vineyard, and that’s one of my favorite things to do,” he said. “But it’s going to be able to allow you to work more smartly, more intelligently and in the end, make better decisions under less fatigue.” Gamble said he anticipates using the tech as much as possible because of “economic, air quality and regulatory imperatives.” Autonomous tractors, he said, could help lower his fuel use and cut back on pollution.
Integration of AI in the Wine Industry
As AI continues to grow, experts say that the wine industry is proof that businesses can integrate the technology efficiently to supplement labor without displacing a workforce. New agricultural tech like AI can help farmers to cut back on waste, and to run more efficient and sustainable vineyards by monitoring water use and helping determine when and where to use products like fertilizers or pest control. AI-backed tractors and irrigation systems, farmer say, can minimize water use by analyzing soil or vines, while also helping farmers to manage acres of vineyards by providing more accurate data on the health of a crop or what a season’s yield will be.
Adoption of AI by Companies
Companies like John Deere have started using the AI that wine farmers are beginning to adopt. The agricultural giant uses “Smart Apply” technology on tractors, for example, helping growers apply material for crop retention by using sensors and algorithms to sense foliage on grape canopies, said Sean Sundberg, business integration manager at John Deere. The tractors that use that tech then only spray “where there are grapes or leaves or whatnot so that it doesn’t spray material unnecessarily,” he said. Last year, the company announced a project with Sonoma County Winegrowers to use tech to help wine grape growers maximize their yield.
Challenges and Limitations
Angelo A. Camillo, a professor of wine business at Sonoma State University, said that despite excitement over AI in the wine industry, some smaller vineyards are more skeptical about their ability to use the technology. Small, family-owned operations, which Camillo said account for about 80% of the wine business in America, are slowly disappearing — many don’t have the money to invest in AI, he said. A robotic arm that helps put together pallets of wine, for example, can cost as much as $150,000, he said.
Tracking Crop Health with AI
However, AI is particularly good at tracking a crop’s health – including how the plant itself is doing and whether it’s growing enough leaves – while also monitoring grapes to aid in yield projections, said Mason Earles, an assistant professor who leads the Plant AI and Biophysics Lab at UC Davis. Diseases or viruses can sneak up and destroy entire vineyards, Earles said, calling it an “elephant in the room” across the wine industry. The process of replanting a vineyard and getting it to produce well takes at least five years, he said. AI can help growers determine which virus is affecting their plants, he said, and whether they should rip out some crops immediately to avoid losing their entire vineyard.
Predicting Yield with AI
Earles, who is also cofounder of the AI-powered farm management platform Scout, said his company uses AI to process thousands of images in hours and extract data quickly — something that would be difficult by hand in large vineyards that span hundreds of acres. Scout’s AI platform then counts and measures the number of grape clusters as early as when a plant is beginning to flower in order to forecast what a yield will be. The sooner vintners know how much yield to expect, the better they can “dial in” their wine making process, he added.
Conclusion
The integration of AI in vineyards is a significant step towards more efficient, sustainable, and productive farming practices. While there are challenges and limitations, particularly for smaller vineyards, the benefits of AI in precision farming, crop health tracking, and yield prediction make it an invaluable tool for the wine industry. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative applications of AI in vineyards, leading to better wines and a more sustainable future for the industry.
FAQs
Q: What is precision farming, and how does AI contribute to it?
A: Precision farming refers to the use of advanced technology, including AI, to optimize crop yields and reduce waste. AI contributes to precision farming by analyzing data from sensors and drones to provide insights on soil health, crop growth, and weather patterns, allowing farmers to make informed decisions.
Q: How can AI help with crop health tracking?
A: AI can help track crop health by analyzing images and data from sensors to detect diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. This allows farmers to take prompt action to prevent damage and reduce the use of chemicals.
Q: What is the potential impact of AI on the wine industry?
A: The potential impact of AI on the wine industry is significant, with applications in precision farming, crop health tracking, and yield prediction. AI can help wine producers optimize their yields, reduce waste, and improve the quality of their wines.
Q: What are the challenges faced by smaller vineyards in adopting AI technology?
A: Smaller vineyards face challenges such as limited financial resources, lack of expertise, and scalability issues in adopting AI technology. However, there are also opportunities for smaller vineyards to leverage AI through collaborations and partnerships with technology providers.
Q: How can AI help with yield prediction?
A: AI can help with yield prediction by analyzing data from sensors and drones to forecast crop yields. This allows wine producers to plan their production and make informed decisions about harvest timing, labor, and resource allocation.
