RESILIENT Operational Group: Development of plant cover in vineyards, optimizing irrigation efficiency, crop development, and reducing the winery's energy consumption through the application of artificial intelligence techniques

1. Identification of the most suitable crops for creating a vineyard cover crop that does not compete with the vines, classification of production inputs (water, energy, pesticides and fertilizers, etc.). Cover crops are a useful tool, within the framework of quality, sustainable, and environmentally friendly viticulture, for balancing the vegetative and productive development of the vineyard, promoting better exposure and microclimate for the grape bunches and increasing the quality of the musts and wines produced. However, it is essential to choose varieties that are adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the area and to the grape varieties (grasses, legumes, etc.). Therefore, a detailed study will be carried out on the soil and climatic characteristics that will influence the species chosen for the cover crop. This will begin with soil and climatic analyses, an analysis of the most suitable species for each cover crop, and the identification of the most common pests and diseases affecting the cover crops and the vineyard. The verification source will be based on a report of the varieties analyzed and a database.

2. Identification of Measurement Parameters and Appropriate Sensors: All parameters that can influence crop development and irrigation needs must be defined, as this is the basis for optimizing production. It is essential to understand all the key factors that will influence crop development and the irrigation and fertilization schedule. Thus, soil texture, ambient temperature (both daily maximum and minimum), air humidity, solar radiation intensity, presence or absence of wind, cloud cover, number of hours of sunshine, soil moisture, leaf area index, potential evapotranspiration, and the forecast of rain, storms, hail, etc., are key factors in determining crop development and the number of irrigations required, as well as the optimal timing for each. Parameters to be measured at the winery level will also be identified. This task will involve different KPI treatments (mass, power, energy, temperature, time, etc.), searching for behavioral patterns, ensuring that the processed data is coherent, consistent, and traceable, and establishing a valid measurement and verification protocol to guarantee the traceability and accuracy of the results obtained and the repeatability of the research conducted on energy models. Finally, an analysis of the most suitable sensors will be carried out. Once all the critical parameters for optimal crop development have been identified, an analysis will be made of the most suitable sensors to place in the plots to take in-situ measurements that provide real-world data which, together with the historical data already compiled, will be used to feed the models for applying AI. Thus, soil moisture sensors, meteorological sensors (thermometers, rain gauges, anemometers, etc.), cameras, and satellite imagery to monitor the appearance of pests and diseases, etc., will be selected. At the winery level, the necessary sensors will be selected to continuously and regularly record values of the parameters considered important in the winemaking process. Verification will be based on a report from the sensors associated with the selected data and monitoring.

3. Energy Consumption and Reduction in a Winery. Use of Renewable Energies. It is necessary to evaluate the energy needs of the two farms that make up each of the pilot plants and the energy needs of the different irrigation systems used, in order to determine the total energy requirement of each farm and to compare their results once digital technologies and AI are implemented. At the winery level, the winemaking methods encompass a meticulous process involving fermentation, aging, and bottling—three fundamental pillars that shape the character and quality of each wine. Temperature control during fermentation is a fundamental practice in winemaking, as it significantly influences the final quality and characteristics. This process allows winemakers to carefully manage each stage of fermentation, ensuring that the desired results are achieved. Lower temperatures preserve fruity and floral aromas, ideal for white and delicate wines. Higher temperatures, on the other hand, can be beneficial for red wines by promoting the extraction of color and tannins. In addition to influencing the flavor and aroma profile, temperature control is crucial to avoid off-flavors and ensure uniform fermentation. This contributes to consistency in production, which is essential for maintaining a wine's distinctive character in every bottle. There are many critical points to control in a winery; therefore, it is essential to understand all of the winery's energy needs in order to reduce consumption by applying Digital Twin and AI techniques. A study will be conducted to analyze the feasibility of implementing renewable energy sources in vineyards, primarily solar energy, as well as the sizing of both types of operations to achieve self-sufficiency in solar energy. The verification source will be based on a study of energy consumption reduction and the feasibility of implementing renewable energy sources.

4. Algorithms and AI Applications: Big Data applied to the wine sector makes it more competitive. Through the proper collection, processing, and integration of multiple data sources, the condition of crops or the water stress of each vine can be monitored in real time, and agronomic recommendations can be accessed via mobile devices, SMS, or a web application. Innovative processes can also be controlled for the intelligent fermentation and aging phases of winemaking, detecting risk factors proactively, along with technologies aimed at improving quality and reducing costs. To guarantee continuous and reliable data collection, the use of data loggers is proposed. These devices automatically store and transmit data, even under conditions of limited connectivity. The data logger has become one of the essential measurement tools for monitoring events and contingencies that occur during the growing cycle. While various types exist (temperature and humidity data loggers, pressure data loggers, etc.), they all share the same goal: to provide farmers with data on the types of threats that can affect phenological development, enabling them to make informed decisions. The specific data loggers will be selected based on the processes to be monitored. Sensors installed in the field, connected to data loggers, allow for the continuous collection of key soil data. This information is transmitted to a central database and, together with historical climate data, forms a robust dataset. This dataset feeds the artificial intelligence model responsible for generating agronomic recommendations. The resulting information is managed and presented through an accessible platform designed for field use. This approach ensures more efficient and optimized agricultural management, adapted to the vineyard's real-time conditions. Neural networks will be used to define the control algorithms for these interrelationships, developing control algorithms capable of modeling the interactions between climatic, soil, and historical variables. These algorithms will generate recommendations on irrigation, fertilization, and other factors to optimize input use and improve vineyard management efficiency. Once the control algorithm's functionality has been verified, a mobile-first web platform will be developed. This tool will allow farmers to easily and visually access the recommendations generated by the AI model. It will include graphs of variable trends, alerts, and personalized suggestions. The interface will be optimized for rural environments, prioritizing usability, fast loading times, and clear data presentation. Verification will be provided through a report on the developed algorithms and their real-time validation.

5. Pilot Implementation and Validation. Two pilot projects will be implemented. The first involves a vineyard within the Rueda Designation of Origin (DO), and the LA SOTERRAÑA winery uses grapes from the selected vineyard. The second project belongs to the Ribeiro DO, but has a winery in La Seca (Valladolid), Bodegas José Pariente. The selected sensors will be placed both in the field and in the winery to complete the real-time data collection process, and the developed algorithms will be applied to the different devices (mobile phones, tablets, etc.). An initial validation will be performed to verify the correct operation of the entire system. Once the pilot projects are implemented, a performance analysis of the installation will be carried out to proceed with final validation, verifying the correct operation of the pilot projects and ensuring that the objectives established in this application are met. The verification source will be the implementation of both pilot projects themselves.

6. Measuring the Reduction of Water and Carbon Footprints. Verifying the reduction of the project's environmental impact is key to raising awareness among stakeholders and society in general about the use of green roofs implemented with AI, as well as the reduction in energy consumption in wineries through the use of Digital Twins and AI. The water footprint is an indicator that reflects the total freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by individuals and communities or produced by companies. It is conceived as a comprehensive water management tool that considers both the direct and indirect use of this vital resource. Its calculation helps to understand, allocate, and optimize water consumption, allowing for more efficient and sustainable water resource management. The carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during the production of a good or service. Calculating the carbon footprint has become an essential tool for quantifying these emissions, as it allows for greater precision in defining reduction strategies. The measurement data will be analyzed and final conclusions drawn. The source of verification will be an environmental sustainability study.

7. Technical and Economic Feasibility Report for Cover Crops in Combination with the Crops: A feasibility report will be prepared with the project results to determine the project's technical and economic profitability. This report will serve as the basis for verifying the achieved outcome.

8. Replicability Platform for Cover Crops Based on Crops and Phenological Stage. This platform will serve as a meeting point for photovoltaic producers, agricultural producers, and digital technology experts, enabling them to collaborate, complement their activities, and develop joint initiatives. The project anticipates that the platform will continue operating after its completion. To develop the platform, an on-site evaluation of various cover crops in vineyards will be conducted as an alternative to tillage. The growth and development of the selected cover crops will be monitored during regular field visits, as well as their interaction with vineyard growth and development. If cover crops of agronomic interest are selected, their yield or biomass potential at harvest will be determined. Another key aspect is the study of crop yields under cover and an analysis of the potential for increased diversification of the vineyard with the new cover crop. Furthermore, grape quality at harvest will be analyzed to confirm that cover crops improve grapevine yields. With all the data, the content to be included in the platform will be defined and developed, and the platform will be designed to allow the replicability of the project results to other vineyard plantations and, in general, to other woody crops.

WEBSITE. Development of an intuitive and attractive project website that allows for easy participation on social media, including press releases, articles, and project news. This website will be available starting in the third month of project development.

PROMOTIONAL BROCHURES. Preparation of promotional materials: Promotional brochures, leaflets and posters (information poster, roller ups…), which will provide general information about the project, as well as notebooks and other materials such as pens, lanyards, folders, etc., which will be used in the days in which the execution and results of the project will be disseminated.

DISSEMINATION SESSIONS. Two workshops will be held to present the project results (one in each region where the pilot program is being implemented). One of these workshops will also include the project's final closing session. Each workshop will also feature discussion panels, depending on the topics covered. The project will also be promoted to provincial councils and other organizations related to the agricultural sector.

PARTICIPATION IN FORUMS AND FAIRS. Participation in forums and trade fairs related to renewable energies and organic farming; also including the participation of all beneficiaries in a fair to present the project.