International Journal of Advances in Electrical Engineering

Mulching has long been recognized as a pivotal practice in vineyard management because of its role in improving soil moisture retention, moderating temperature fluctuations, and enhancing vine vigor under diverse climatic conditions. However, traditional approaches to evaluating mulching effects often rely on manual observations that are time-consuming, inconsistent, and limited in precision. The present research proposes a low-cost, sensor-integrated monitoring model designed to quantify mulching effects in vineyards through continuous measurement of key ecological and plant-response variables. The system integrates soil moisture sensors, temperature probes, and ambient microclimate monitoring units, all connected to a microcontroller-based data acquisition platform. By developing an economical and scalable model, this research aims to provide vineyard managers with real-time datasets that support evidence-based decisions regarding mulching materials and application strategies.

The system was tested across plots with different mulching types, including organic materials, inert covers, and a control (unmulched) condition. Measurements captured variations in soil temperature gradients, moisture retention duration, canopy microclimate, and early vine growth response. Results demonstrated a clear advantage of mulched plots in reducing evaporative water loss and stabilizing soil temperature, particularly during peak summer conditions. The sensor-based model successfully differentiated performance across mulching types, offering insights not achievable through visual evaluation alone.

This research contributes a robust, low-cost engineering solution to precision viticulture by optimizing resource use while maintaining practicality for small and medium vineyard holdings. The model’s modular architecture and affordability promote widespread adoption, supporting climate-resilient viticultural practices. The findings indicate that integrating sensor-based monitoring enhances the scientific understanding of mulching performance, improves agronomic decision-making, and represents a significant step toward data-driven vineyard management.