I like to think of vineyard treatments as messages we send to the vines. Biodynamic agriculture itself limits our use of minerals such as copper or sulphur to a huge extent compared to conventional agriculture: possibly to a tenth of what we use in conventional agriculture. Conventional winegrowers sometimes talk about “cannon shots” when they put a lot of sulphur or copper, or one of the systemic or penetrating products - systemic products are so called because the product enters the plant's system, i.e. through its veins, and obviously goes into its fruit.
In biodynamics, all systemic or penetrating products, all poisons, herbicides or pesticides are forbidden. Only small amounts of copper and sulphur are used - always in mineral solutions that do not penetrate the plant or its system - as well as infusions and plant slurry, and other elements such as clay and basalt. But possibly in such small quantities that a conventional farmer might think it is of no use. And yet, it does. The messages are useful and reach the plant - which is intelligent and receives them. But they have to be applied at the right time and under the right conditions.
First of all, the conditions of the soils where the vineyards are located must be considered. In biodynamics, it is common to say that plant diseases are a result of soil imbalance. Therefore, it is necessary to work the soils well, the vineyard's albariza soils: using good quality compost from good sources, not rotating the soil, not using herbicides or pesticides, not using chemical fertilisers, with good management of the plant cover, good management of the tillage, etc. These actions will generate a living and balanced soil, which is the first step for the vines to be perceptive to our messages.
Secondly, environmental conditions. In our region, rain is not common in the peak disease periods. However, there are very different humidity conditions, mainly due to the winds: westerly and easterly. Each of them offers a “stress” to the plant. The westerly wind, although humid, dries out the plant; and the easterly wind, although dry and warm, softens the plant. Our messages are therefore aimed at balancing these external inputs. Applied at the right times and in the right conditions (no wind, no humidity on the leaves, good dispersion) small amounts of copper or sulphur (<150gr/h) are sufficient. They can also be supplemented with infusions of horsetail, nettle or yarrow.
In biodynamics, a beautiful relationship between the winegrower and the plants is conceived. That is why our presence in the vineyard is so important. Let's say that plants are sensitive to our vibrations and, of course, to our messages.
