Total Soluble Solids in Grape Must Estimation Using VIS-NIR-SWIR Reflectance Measured in Fresh Berries

[EN] Total soluble solids (TSS) is a key variable taken into account in determining optimal grape maturity for harvest. In this work, partial least square (PLS) regression models were developed to estimate TSS content for Godello, Verdejo (white), Mencía, and Tempranillo (red) grape varieties based on diffuse spectroscopy measurements. To identify the most suitable spectral range for TSS prediction, the regression models were calibrated for four datasets that included the following spectral ranges: 400–700 nm (visible), 701–1000 nm (near infrared), 1001–2500 nm (short wave infrared) and 400–2500 nm (the entire spectral range). We also tested the standard normal variate transformation technique. Leave-one-out cross-validation was implemented to evaluate the regression models, using the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), ratio of performance to deviation (RPD), and the number of factors (F) as evaluation metrics. The regression models for the red varieties were generally more accurate than the models of those for the white varieties. The best regression model was obtained for Mencía (red): R2 = 0.72, RMSE = 0.55 °Brix, RPD = 1.87, and factors n = 7. For white grapes, the best result was achieved for Godello: R2 = 0.75, RMSE = 0.98 °Brix, RPD = 1.97, and factors n = 7. The methodology used and the results obtained show that it is possible to estimate TSS content in grapes using diffuse spectroscopy and regression models that use reflectance values as predictor variables. Spectroscopy is a non-invasive and efficient technique for determining optimal grape maturity for harvest.S

Characterisation of the National Network of Silos and Granaries in Castilla y León, Spain: A Case Study

[EN] In 1995, Spain’s National Network of Silos and Granaries was divided into a basic network and a secondary network. Of the total storage units identified, 541 are vertical units or silos forming part of the secondary network. Unlike the silos of the basic network, many of the secondary network silos, which were primarily reception units sited near the areas where the grain was grown, have been repurposed. This article describes a methodology developed to inventory silos based on their general features, construction and technological facilities, and its application to the 123 silos in the secondary network in the Spanish region of Castilla y León. The exercise was conducted in conjunction with a socioeconomic analysis of the communities where the silos are located. All the silos studied are located in the most productive areas and close to farms, have small storage capacities and include all but one silo typology, the transition macro-silo. Some are still used for grain storage, whilst others have been converted into multi-purpose warehouses, gymnasiums, community centres or other specialised facilities. Ideas for silo repurposing implemented in other regions of Spain and other countries might well be applied in Castilla y León. In addition, this methodology has proved useful to identify proposals that are viable in the more highly populated communities.S

The Origin and Architectural and Technological Characteristics and Opportunities for the Reuse of Portugal’s EPAC Silo Network

[EN] Portugal’s EPAC (Empresa Pública do Abastecimiento dos Cereais) silo network, initially planned in the 1930s but constructed and utilised primarily in the 1970s, consisted of 31 silos with a total capacity of 841,100 t. The network’s usage declined, however, due to market liberalisation and Portugal’s accession to the European Economic Community in 1985. This study focuses on adapting a methodology to inventory and analyse the 31 silos in the EPAC network, considering their general features, construction, technological facilities, and socioeconomic aspects. The silos are situated in 30 cities and towns, predominantly in the country’s key grain-growing regions, particularly the Alentejo region. While there are variations in design and construction, most EPAC silos contain two or three rows of circular reinforced concrete cells and use the spaces between cells for storage. Their capacities range from 6000 to 35,000 t. Some are inland grain reception and storage silos, while others are larger-capacity port silos designed to unload grain rapidly onto ships using mechanical or pneumatic unloaders. These structures are a significant part of Portugal’s agro-industrial heritage and have, in some cases, been repurposed as museums or event venues. Compared to other agro-industrial buildings, silos pose unique conversion challenges due to their height and design complexities. Examples of successful reuse in countries like Spain and Italy may provide insights for potential silo projects in Portugal. However, analysis suggests that such proposals and similar initiatives may be viable only in the more highly populated towns.S

Estimating Soil Properties and Nutrients by Visible and Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy to Characterize Vineyards

[EN] Visible, near, and shortwave infrared (VIS-NIR-SWIR) reflectance spectroscopy, a cost- effective and rapid means of characterizing soils, was used to predict soil sample properties for four vineyards (central and north-western Spain). Sieved and air-dried samples were measured using a portable spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm) and compared for pistol grip (PG) versus contact probe (CP) setups. Raw data processed using standard normal variate (SVN) and detrending transformation (DT) were grouped into four subsets (VIS: 350–700 nm; NIR: 701–1000 nm; SWIR: 1001–2500 nm; and full range: 350–2500 nm) in order to identify the most suitable range for determining soil characteristics. The performance of partial least squares regression (PLSR) models in predicting soil properties from reflectance spectra was evaluated by cross-validation. The four spectral subsets and transformed reflectances for each setup were used as PLSR predictor variables. The best performing PLSR models were obtained for pH, electrical conductivity, and phosphorous (R2 values above 0.92), while models for sand, nitrogen, and potassium showed moderately good performances (R2 values between 0.69 and 0.77). The SWIR subset and SVN + DT processing yielded the best PLSR models for both the PG and CP setups. VIS-NIR-SWIR reflectance spectroscopy shows promise as a technique for characterizing vineyard soils for precision viticulture purposes. Further studies will be carried out to corroborate our findingsSIJunta de Castilla y León (LE112G18)Fundación Carolina RodríguezUniversidad de Leó

Spain’s national network of silos and granaries: architectural and technological change over time

[EN] Aim of study: To analyse the 670 silos in Spain’s NNSG (National Network of Silos and Granaries), along with the changes in typologies and degree of mechanisation taking place over time. Area of study: Spain. Material and methods: Research began in 2014, collecting NNSG grain storage data across Spain further to the methodology developed by the authors. In a first stage the information was gathered from the FEGA’s general archives in Madrid and the archives of the departments of agriculture in the 13 regions where silos were built. In the second stage of the study, 665 silos were explored in situ. Photographs were taken and information was gathered on their characteristics (general features; architectural features; technological facilities). Main results: This paper discusses the architectural and typological changes taking place over time, from the earliest small, local, richly adorned brick silos to larger, more modern and austere reinforced concrete structures. The machinery with which they are fitted is also addressed, with the progression from basic grain storage to more sophisticated equipment designed to clean, refrigerate or disinfect the grain. Some facilities were used exclusively to select and condition seed for subsequent sowing. The most modern structures, known as macrosilos, are highly mechanised affairs. Research highlights: Spain’s national network of silos and granaries was 41 years in the building. The inventory of the 665 existing silos identified 20 types or subtypes. Early richly adorned units gradually gave way to more austere, functional structures. The machinery in place in silos varied with type/purpose and period of construction.SIThe authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the assistance provided by the staffs of the general FEGA archives at Madrid and the archives of the regional Departments of Agriculture and city governments throughout Spain where silos are site

Delineating vineyard zones by fuzzy K-means algorithm based on grape sampling variables

[EN] This study describes a method for delineating management zones using interpolated maps of grape characteristics recorded in 2013 and 2014 in a Godello vineyard located in the Bierzo Denomination of Origin (León, Northwest Spain). Ten variables were analyzed and recorded for the sampled vines (50 vines/ha). Interpolated maps reflecting each variable and year were created by spatial interpolation (kriging) from the sampled points. Principal component analysis was used to detect relationships between variables and to select the variables to be used to create the cluster classification. Using the fuzzy k-means classification algorithm implemented in the Management Zone Analyst (MZA v.1.0.0) software, several zones were delineated by combining the studied variables. The results delineated 2 different management areas composed of 3 zones each based on winery objectives: (1) to increase grape production (combining the yield for 2013 and 2014); and (2) to improve grape composition (combining the pH for 2013 and 2014).SIThis work was supportedby the Universidad de León, Spain [grant number 2016/00145/001-T102]. The authors acknowledge the assistance of the Bodegas y Viñedos Bergidenses, SAT. suppor

Leaf water content estimation by functional linear regression of field spectroscopy data

11 p.Grapevine water status is critical as it affects fruit quality and yield. We assessed the po-tential of field hyperspectral data in estimating leaf water content (Cw) (expressed as equivalent water thickness) in four commercial vineyards of Vitis vinifera L. reflecting four grape varieties (Mencı´a, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo). Two regression models were evaluated and compared: ordinary least squares regression (OLSR) and functional linear regression (FLR). OLSR was used to fit Cw and vegetation indices, whereas FLR considered reflectance in four spectral ranges centred at the 960, 1190, 1465 and 2035 nm wavelengths. The best parameters for the FLR model were determined using cross-validation. Both models were compared using the coefficient of determination (R2) and percentage root mean squared error (%RMSE). FLR using continuous stretches of the spectrum as input produced more suitable Cw models than the vegetation indices, considering both the fit and degree of adjustment and the interpretation of the model. The best model was obtained using FLR in the range centred at 1465 nm (R2 ¼ 0.70 and %RMSE ¼ 8.485). The results depended on grape variety but also suggested that leaf Cw can be predicted on the basis of spectral signature.S

Análisis de la variación temporal de parámetros de calidad de la uva y madera de poda de cuatro variedades de viñedo en la D.O. Bierzo

Conocer la variabilidad de parámetros relacionados con la calidad de uva en un viñedo es fundamental par la producción de vino. Las características ambientales y culturales dentro de una viña son simlares, pero la uva producida difiere en cantidad y calidad. Se han estudiado los parámetros relacionados con la calidad y producción de cuatro variedades de uva a lo largo de tres campañas. Los resultados han mostrado que la variadad Mencía presentó, en general, los valores más elevados en los Coeficientes de Variación para los parámetros de mosto y de madera de poda, y los más bajos para los de baya. Las características del mosto fueron mejores en el año 2009, además, en dicho año se obtuvo mayor producción que los otros años. Las interacciones demuestran que las variedades Mencía y Merlot reaccionan de forma diferente a los estímulos medioambientales

Jornada de Puertas Abiertas 2014: presentación de la Escuela Superior y Técnica de Ingeniería Agraria de Ponferrada

Otro año más, como viene siendo habitual, la Universidad de León, desde el Vicerrectorado de Estudiantes y el de Ordenación Académica, tiene sus puertas abiertas para aquellos futuros alumnos que estén interesados en comenzar sus estudios universitarios el curso que vien

La importancia de los equipos de aplicación de productos fitosanitarios utilizados en la protección de cultivos : lección inaugural, curso académico 2021-22 : Campus de Ponferrada

[ES] Una lección inaugural, a mi entender, debe tener un enfoque generalista, dado el carácter heterogéneo de los asistentes y además debe ser lo suficientemente atractiva para suscitar el interés de los oyentes huyendo de aspectos excesivamente técnicos y especializados. Por ello planteo esta lección de forma semejante a como lo haría en lecciones iniciales de 2o o 3er curso de los actuales grados de Ingeniero Agroalimentario y de Ingeniero Forestal y del Medio Natural en los que he centrado mi labor docente en los últimos años. Para ello voy a comenzar por explicar la importancia de la lucha contra las plagas y enfermedades vegetales para posteriormente abordar la seguridad y la eficacia de los tratamientos fitosanitarios. Trataré la importancia de las inspecciones de los equipos de aplicación de estos productos fitosanitarios, pasando a continuación a examinar las distintas tipologías de los equipos existentes en el mercado, para finalmente analizar las tendencias y perspectivas en cuanto a este tipo de máquinas