Nutrition and Awakening: Nitrogen and Effective Microorganisms (EM) at the Vineyard’s Rebirth

The Importance of Precision: Sub-row Nitrogen Fertilization

After mowing the grass, the soil is ready to receive nourishment. This year, we chose to focus on sub-row fertilization.

• Why sub-row? Instead of dispersing resources across the entire field, we concentrate nitrogen exactly where the grapevine's root system is most active. This reduces waste and limits excessive grass growth between the rows, which would otherwise compete with the vines for nutrients.

• The Role of Nitrogen: During this budding stage, nitrogen acts as the "engine" for vegetation. It is essential for chlorophyll formation and fuels the growth of the new shoots we have just tied.

Alongside traditional fertilization, we are introducing the use of EM. This is a symbiotic blend of photosynthetic bacteria, yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria that work in harmony with the plant. 

1. In the Field (Soil Application): Distributed on the ground, EM accelerates the decomposition of organic matter (such as the freshly mown grass), transforming it into available humus. They improve the soil structure, making it more vital and "soft."

2. On the Vines (Foliar Treatment): As the first buds emerge, applying EM to the canopy helps create a natural barrier. These "beneficial" microorganisms occupy the living space on the leaves, making it harder for pathogenic fungi to establish themselves. It acts as a "probiotic" for the vineyard.

Nitrogen provides the energy, while EM ensures that the environment (both soil and leaf) remains healthy and resilient. Seeing the vines bud in such a well-tended soil gives us the confidence that the season is off to a great start. 

Developed in the 1980s by Professor Teruo Higa in Japan, EM technology is based on a liquid mixture of natural, non-GMO microbial cultures living in symbiosis.

These microorganisms belong to three main groups:

1. Photosynthetic Bacteria: The "directors." They use solar energy and soil heat to convert gases and organic substances into amino acids and sugars—direct nourishment for the vine.

2. Lactic Acid Bacteria: They possess strong sterilizing power, countering the spread of pathogenic fungi and accelerating the decomposition of organic matter.

3. Yeasts: They produce bioactive substances (hormones and enzymes) that stimulate cell division and the growth of roots and buds.