Evaluating the ecological suitability of the vineyards, by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

In this scientific paper are presented the preliminary results of the research having as goal to establish a methodology for the determination of the oenoclimatic potential and its spatial distribution in the viticultural areas. Data were obtained by means of GIS technology and disclosed a new, original model for analysing the viticultural ecoclimate. The evaluation presented in this scientific paper was the result of processing and interpreting data concerning spatial distribution, individual influence and total influence of four ecological factors that determine the quality of grapes: slope, aspect, solar radiation and real insolation. Investigations were carried out in three stages: I. Determination of the spatial distribution of ecological factors in the wine growing region; II. Determination of the ecological factors suitability and their distribution in the wine growing region; III. Determination of the oenoclimatic potential of the wine growing region and the graphical representation of its spatial distribution. The distribution of ecological factors is represented by digital maps. The ecological factor suitability for grape growing was assessed according to a new evaluation system, and its distribution was represented graphically on the region map. The oenoclimatic potential was expressed by the sum and the average of evaluation points given to the ecological factors. We found that the sum of evaluation points has generated a detailed representation of the oenoclimatic potential, while the average of evaluation points gave a much clearer synthetic representation, allowing the identification and delimitation of highly favourable terroirs. The evaluation of the Avereşti wine-growing centre – Huşi vineyard (Vaslui County) has shown that 94.37% of its area was favourable for producing high quality white wines, 4.40% for producing quality white and red wines, while 1.19% was less favourable for wine growing. The maps showing the distribution of the oenoclimatic potential highlighted the location of valiant terroirs in the Avereşti wine growing centre.