Sustainable water management in viticulture under climate stress: Irrigation requirements and potential of controlled water deficit

Climate change is forcing a fundamental revision of water management in agriculture, particularly in Mediterranean viticulture. In Italy, rising average temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and the frequent occurrence of extreme events are reducing water availability and quality, compromising both yields and the quality of grape and wine production. This study presents a technical and scientific analysis of the current state of irrigation in Italian vineyards, integrating data from the 7th General Agricultural Census by ISTAT (2020) with information from the SIGRIAN system, and adopting a geospatial approach to estimate the actual water requirements of grapevines. Furthermore, the benefits of Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) are explored as a means to increase water use efficiency without compromising enological parameters. The results highlight significant territorial differences in water needs and irrigation management, underscoring the necessity for adaptive policies and site-specific technologies.