Using EM in the Vineyard

EM can be effectively used around the vineyard by helping to increase the microbial activity, microbe presence in the soil and in the winemaking process. The Microbes in this technology have demonstrated their effectiveness on ecosystem improvement of the soil micro flora, promotions of crop root development and recovery of polluted environments. This makes EM ideal in soil rejuvenation and extracting harmful chemical residues from our soils.
EM is a technology that is gaining popularity with Viticulturists for a number of reasons:

1. Low cost
2. Organically certified (Bio-Gro)
3. Multiple applications, e.g. Soil, Vines, and waste management

Key EM effects in the Vineyard

Improved Organic Matter Breakdown

EM will help the decomposition process of organic materials, and during fermentation will produce normally unavailable organic acids, such as lactic acid, acetic acid, amino acid, malic acid and bioactive substances and vitamins. A key ingredient in this process is organic matter which is supplied by pasture residuals, (dead matter) recycling crop residues, green manures and animal manure. In addition, this process leads to increased humus in the soil.

Understorey Management

Using EM will help increase soil biology and the microbial diversity in your understorey.  The benefits will include enhanced soil biological activity below the vine, increased soil moisture levels, thicker grape skins and changes to the density of the vine canopy itself. This all comes from an increase in microbial activity within your biological system and will save you money and improve your vine health.

Enhancing Fertiliser Inputs

The microbes in EM® will solubilise compounds both organic and inorganic that are largely unavailable to plants and make them available for uptake by the plants root system allowing the plant to put more energy into growth. In performing this important function the Microbes create a more efficient use of added nutrients, generating a better growth response from fertiliser inputs. Also, our research has demonstrated the ability to lower fertiliser use while still gaining the same yield. Research has shown the microbes in EM® stimulate Mycorrhizae and Trichoderma further enhancing nutrient uptake and the plants root system. EM® works effectively with most fertiliser and can be sprayed on with most pesticides and herbicides decreasing your application costs.

Fungi Stimulation

EM is a combination of beneficial microorganisms including Fungi but the real benefit is the stimulation of other types of fungi in the soil. This includes Mycorrhizae and Tricoderma.
EM also stimulates a number of fungal species including Pseudomonas, Mycobacter, Aspergillus, that solubilise soil nutrient compounds (both organic and inorganic) that are largely unavailable to plants. Read more in this trial about the changes EM makes to the soil microflora.

Plant Protection

EM is a microbial inoculant that works as a bio-control measure in suppressing and/or controlling pests through the introduction of beneficial micro-organisms to soil and plants. Pests and pathogens are suppressed or controlled through natural processes by enhancing the competitive and antagoniostic activities of the micro-organisms in the EM inoculants.

Key applications for Vineyards and Wineries

The five main applications of EM on Vineyards and Wineries are:

• Soil applied, to increase biology and stimulate natural soil processes
• Foliar applied, to increase vine health, reduce pathogens and populate the vines with healthy populations of beneficial microbes
• Compost making, using the anaerobic system - See our composting with EM page for more information. 
• Waste-water system, dosing to control bad odour and improve the function of the system
• During disease pressure periods EM should be used as a foliar application to crops, this has 2 main functions, firstly it creates better growing conditions and this leads to a stronger healthier plant. Secondly it provides competitive exclusion, which means that it out-competes pathogens for space, by inoculating the leaf surfaces with beneficial microbes.

Using EM will lead to better water use, efficient nutrient uptake, and healthy soils leading to healthy vines. EM can be applied through the irrigation system, or sprayed onto the soil, understory and vines.

Papers

                                                                                              

Innovative Use of EM for Enhancing Vineyard Production         Managing Microbes in and around the Vineyard 

Relevant News Articles