The review article “Satellite Solutions for Precision Viticulture: Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency in Vineyard Management” 🍇🚀, published in the journal Agronomy (Q1, IF = 3.5, Agriculture field), is funded by the INOMED-2I project (09-207/1-23), supported by the European Union fund NextGenerationEU.

In light of climate challenges, soil degradation, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and serious health threats caused by the intensive use of agrochemicals, this paper focuses on innovative satellite solutions as a sustainable and efficient approach to vineyard management. These efforts are further supported by EU regulatory initiatives, including the EU Action Plan for 2050 “A Healthy Planet for All” and the European Green Deal, and aligned with the United Nations’ international sustainability goals, aiming ultimately for a toxin-free environment.
The paper provides a detailed examination of the evolutionary advancements in satellite technologies and the (pre)processing improvements in the spatial and spectral resolution of satellite images. Satellite technologies enable precise vineyard monitoring, offering insights into spatiotemporal variability, soil moisture, and the vigor and health of grapevines. Special attention is given to the integration of satellite data with on-ground data, which allows for the generation of accurate maps for targeted and variable input applications.
The paper also explores the effectiveness of different vegetative indices in evaluating spatiotemporal variations in health, water content, chlorophyll levels, and the overall vitality of grapevines. Challenges in the use of satellite data in viticulture are considered, including heterogeneous pixels and the need for rigorous data validation, opening up new possibilities for more precise and efficient applications.
The study helps optimize water use, monitor vine health, and reduce the use of agrochemicals, while ensuring high-quality grapes and reducing the ecological footprint of viticultural practices.
The work by Mucalo et al., 2024, is available at https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/8/1862.