In the cultivation of the vine, pruning is one of the most delicate operations and requires the utmost attention from those who perform it. The cutting of the shoots, together with the following binding, are among the factors that most influence the result of the subsequent production, with a strong impact on the quantity and quality of the grapes obtained.
In addition to giving plants defined shapes, creating good aesthetic results as to the landscape, pruning is also essential for vegetative purposes, due to its ability to intervene on the balance of the plant and its life cycle.
However, this operation represents one of the most significant costs for the Italian vine growers, especially when it is carried out mainly manually. It is, therefore, essential to accurately assess the impact of pruning on the income statement, as well as understand how to limit it, also thanks to the mechanization of operations in the vineyard.
What are the costs of manual pruning in Italy?
In Italy the habit of proceeding with the removal or shortening of the shoots through manual interventions is enormously widespread, partly due to the particular forms of farming adopted in the area, which see manual pruning as the only possible choice, a little ‘for a tradition’ now deeply rooted among farmers.
Although the cost of manual pruning depends on numerous factors, it can be estimated by considering the hours of work required and the hourly rates on average applied by operators. Taking the classic winter pruning as a reference, it generally takes 60-70 hours for each hectare of land (for forms such as the free cordon one) up to a maximum of 130-140 hours / ha (for more complex forms such as the Trentino pergola).
By inserting the hourly remuneration of the operators into the equation, which is generally between € 12 and € 14, it is possible to calculate the approximate cost range of the entire operation, which goes from a minimum of € 700 / ha up to 2000 € / ha. In any case, the entire procedure amounts to 15-20% of the total cost of a vineyard, when this is handled entirely by hand.
Mechanized pruning in Italy
Clearly one of the objectives of wineries is to reduce management costs, but it is practically impossible to think of achieving this result without considering replacing manual interventions with mechanized and much more efficient operations.
Mechanized alternatives for pruning are now widespread and increasingly appreciated. Some choose to opt for totally mechanical and automated processes, with an hourly commitment for each hectare which is reduced to about 7-8 hours, but also to 3-4 hours / ha in the most optimized cases.
Others prefer to adopt hybrid solutions that involve mechanization accompanied or followed by manual finishing operations. In this case, the hourly savings compared to exclusively manual pruning are reduced, decreasing to about 30-40 hours / ha. Obviously, in the calculation it is also good to take into account the costs determined by the purchase and use of mechanical tools, although nowadays it is possible to observe decidedly favorable quality-price ratios, allowed by technological evolution and constant research.
While the cost of manual pruning operations does not vary with the variation of the extension of the land, the economic impact of adopting mechanical equipment is reduced as much as the hectares of land increase: the cost of their use decreases, in fact, with the increase in the hours of use and the surface of the vineyard. With extensions over 2 hectares, the convenience of mechanization is already beginning to be appreciated, reaching optimal cost and savings levels exceeding 5 hectares.
Not just pruning: what other operations cannot be forgotten?
The careful maintenance of a vineyard does not end, however, with the removal of unproductive shoots, but also includes other equally important phases, such as binding, cleaning the plant, clumping, topping, etc..
All these operations are essential to favor the future production of the rows and can be tackled with a combination of manual work and mechanical interventions, depending on the shape and type of plants on which it is necessary to act. Depending on the case, it is possible to carry out mechanized pruning and manual finishing operations, or mechanical pre-pruning followed by manual interventions, or manual pruning and subsequent mechanized topping and binding interventions.
What are the critical issues in the diffusion of mechanized pruning?
If mechanized grape harvest is widespread in Italy, manual techniques are still prevailing as for pruning, despite a constant increase in the use of mechanical machinery. Among the main problems that limit its introduction there is a lack of knowledge of the methodologies to be used to ensure that the plant has a correct vegetative-productive balance. The fear of not having the appropriate skills, therefore, encourages manual operations.
Furthermore, the small size of Italian farms – often less than one hectare of workable surface – and the prevailing forms of farming effectively prevent from the use of mechanical tools, or do not make the advantage of their use so clear-cut. Moreover, many national wineries are family-run and employ only internal labor, making the cost of pruning substantially irrelevant.
In the numerous medium or large-sized farms in Italy and in those where the help of salaried workers is required, it is instead essential to evaluate the numerous advantages of mechanization from an economic point of view.
Mechanized pruning by means of an equipment by Campagnola
A valid technical knowledge and the professional support of the best experts in the sector can make the difference and allows you to overcome some of the problems listed above. Campagnola is committed to this mission, providing the most advanced tools for facilitated pruning and the expert assistance of a team of specialists, constantly engaged in the research and development of the most advanced mechanized products.
Discover the mechanized pruning products by Campagnola and contact us to understand how to best integrate them into your work routine!