Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
back to the ground. This reduces the rate of cooling from the surface. The effect can
sometimes be seen in frosty weather, when open grassy surfaces are white but beneath
trees, or near buildings where counter-radiation has been greater, there is no sign of frost
on the ground (Plate 8.2).
VINEYARD MICROCLIMATE
applications
There are two popular beliefs about wine cultivation. First, that the vine thrives in a harsh
environment and, second, that the best-quality wines are produced in regions of marginal
cultivation. The importance of soil characteristics is often stressed, with drainage and
physical composition of the soil being most significant, but climate and weather
conditions undoubtedly play a major part. Vines will grow only within certain climatic
limits, with cool, moist climates like that of southern Britain forming the poleward
boundary and the semi-arid climates of a Mediterranean-style climate, such as California
or South Australia, forming the tropical limits. Superimposed on this broad climatic zone,
viticulturalists find that microclimate can play a role in determining the quality of the
grapes. Grapes need adequate warmth, protection from spring frosts, abundant sunshine
in summer, and shelter from wind at critical times in the growing season.
Plate 1
Vines growing on steep south-facing slopes in the Mosel
valley of Germany.
Photo: Peter Smithson.
