Trial to push SA vineyard to the edge

A vineyard in the South Australian Riverland will be subjected to severe drought conditions to test how much the vines can withstand and still survive.

Irrigation at the Oxford Landing Estate near Waikerie will be cut back to just 10 per cent of normal levels for the next three seasons.

The vines will then be assessed to determine if they can be successfully revived.

Yalumba technical manager Ashley Ratcliff said the irrigation trials would push the boundaries beyond what was considered commercially possible.

"This new research will give us the information and tools we need to manage a crop using the absolute minimum amount of water," Mr Ratcliff said.

"It will also tell us, if we have to stop production for a period due to lack of water, how long it will take to bring those vines back from survival to commercial mode."

South Australian government research scientist Michael McCarthy said the irrigation trials would involve mature grafted chardonnay vines.

Scientists would measure irrigation volumes and salinity, groundwater levels, soil moisture, grapevine canopy, soil and plant salinity, plant stress and yield as well as fruit and wine quality.

"These trials will produce a drought survival strategy for vignerons establishing critical levels of irrigation to keep vineyards alive and protect the asset for recovery," Dr McCarthy said.

South Australian Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald, who launched the trials on Wednesday, said they would provide crucial information to help the viticulture industry protect its assets during times of drought.

"This important research will gather information and tools about the absolute minimum water needed to grow commercial crops," the minister said.

"It will also provide information about how long it takes to restore yields and ensure vineyards are not lost as a critical asset if production has to be shut down."