Application of Multispectral Images to Monitor the Productive Cicle of Vines Fortified with Zinc

In a context of an exponential growing population and resource limitations, precision agriculture techniques can improve efficiency in the agricultural sector. This can be achieved by monitorization and quick detection of changes in crops, resulting in smart resource use, waste reduction and maximization of production. In a field located in Palmela (Portugal), three foliar sprays of ZnO and ZnSO4 were performed in Vitis Vinifera variety Fernão Pires for production of biofortified single-vine wine. Field characterization was performed with soil sampling and UAVs (with altimetric measurement sensors), synchronized by GPS. Vegetations indexes, and characterization of drainage capacity and slopes were then interpolated with mineral content, monitored with X-Ray Fluorescence analysis. Morphologically, the experimental parcel had a slight slope (maximum of 1.10m) with irrigation and nutrient availability in soil requiring special attention (i.e., just 1/3 of the parcel a higher capacity to water drainage). NDVI values reflected better physiological values in N-NE region. Zinc increases in leaf’s were directly proportional with applied concentrations and vines sprayed with ZnO revealed greater vigor than ZnSO4. In conclusion, the use of precision agriculture techniques and its crossing with other analysis, allow the characterization and monitoring of vines, presenting a major potential for optimization of wine production.