Journal

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In the Growth Phase
In the spring we apply 80 litres of activated
EM·1 to our vineyard soil, if possible shortly
before a shower of rain. As an organic
ope ra tion we protect our plants, of course,
using only the approved substances:
liquid glass, sulphur, baking powder,
horsetail and small quantities of copper
(3kg/ha). Occasionally, in the late evening
we apply a spray of activated EM·1 and
powdered rock to which a small quantity of
EM ceramic powder is added.
In 2014 we tried out charcoal inoculated with
EM, which we received from Rolf Zimmermann
as “Amino Terra”. In the Merlot vineyard
some of the soil is fairly low in humus. From
the ex perience with tomatoes in our domestic
garden – i.e. that the roots “feel” where they
can find good nutrition and then grow in that
direction – we applied the same principle to the
soil in the vineyard.
With the aid of a special spading machine
we dug holes between the vines. Each hole
was filled with a mixture of Amino Terra and
powdered rock, and then covered over with
soil. The result was not as obvious as with
the heavily consuming tomatoes, but it was
clearly notice able that the growth of the
Merlot vine was improved. We are confident
that the work will pay off in the long term
because we are thus increasing the proportion
of permanent humus. It is really nice to
observe how the vineyards are benefitting
from EM. The soil structure has clearly improved.
The macro organisms, in particular the
earthworms, have increased dramatically. The
vines have become more resistant to extreme
influences and the water-holding capacity has
improved. The vines profit from the immune
system of the soil. Our vineyards are generally
quite healthy. In 2014 we had prob lems in the
region with the Asian vinegar fly (Drosophila
suzukii). We have had very positive experiences
with spraying a mixture of Activated EM·1 plus
powdered rock and EM ceramic powder.
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Horse dung, wood chips and
grape marc are piled up for
the bokashi mixture.
The material is mixed in
the slurry spreader and
sprayed with activated EM
while being unloaded.
Then the mixture is placed
in a heap and compressed.
Under an air-tight cover,
the material ferments over
the winter.
Effective Microorganisms
in a
German Vineyard
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Autor: Stefan Jesser
Roses at the start of the row
not only look good, they also
catch mildew earlier than
the vines and thus serve as
an early warning system.
The soil structure can be
checked with a spade sample:
here we have good,
loose, humus-rich soil that
smells of fungus.
The Jesser Vineyard in Güglingen
We, Stefan and Britta Jesser, run a small vineyard
which we took over from my parents in
1999, 20 km west of Heilbronn in the beautiful
Zabergäu region. My EM-enthusiast father still
helps out in the vineyard. We grow Trollinger,
Merlot, Burgundy and Lemberger grapes.
In 2009 we switched over to organic winegrowing
and were granted Naturland certification.
In the same year I attended a one-day
EM seminar given by Rolf Zimmermann (EM
Tech no logy Centre Baden-Württemberg) in
Lautenbach. We had our first experience with
EM on laurel trees which were wintering in
the garage. After spraying with a 10 % solution
of Activated EM·1, one tree even began to
blossom.
EM Technology in the Vineyard
Every year in autumn, since 2010, we make a
bokashi compost of horse dung, wood chips and
grape marc with a 20% activated EM solution.
The material is loaded in regular proportions
on a slurry spreader and vaccinated with EM
when being spread. Then it is pressed with
the front-loader and tractor and covered with
a sheet for the winter. Temperatures during
the winter and the spring are mild enough
to ferment the material, so that after the soil
dries, the sweet-smelling bokashi can be spread
along the rows with a vineyard spreader.
Then the bokashi is worked lightly into the
soil with a cultivator. After around 14 days we
sow seeds between the rows. For many years
we have been using the “Wolff mixture” put
together with the help of an organic winegrowing
consultant. It consists of annual and
perennial plants with varying root depths,
and thus promotes the fertility of the soil. It is
also characterized by a high degree of plant
diversity and a high legume proportion. The
rich yield of herbs and blossoms provides
living space and food for insects and other
beneficials the whole year round.
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14 | EM Journal 51 | english | March 2015 15