ZEOWINE for the fertilization of a young vineyard- Final version

Due to the increasing pressure imposed to agricultural soils and to their consequent reduction in fertility, the development of management strategies able to increase the productivity and quality of soils has become a common priority. In particular, Mediterranean vineyards are exposed to severe risk of soil quality decline due to erosion, loss of organic matter, contamination and compaction. In intensive viticulture, the continuous working practices using heavy machinery and inappropriate tillage, for eliminating competition between vines and other plants for water and nutrients, are responsible for increasing soil erosion rates, and CO2 emissions. LIFE ZEOWINE is a demonstration project which aims to improve the protection and management of the soil, the well-being of the vine and the quality of grapes and wine, thorough the soil application of ZEOWINE compost, an innovative product deriving from the composting of wastes from the wine production chain and zeolite. Starting from the results of previous experimentations, which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of zeolite and compost in a separate way in other productive chains, we proceed with the intention of applying, for the first time, either in a new vineyard plant and in productive vineyards, the ZEOWINE product, with effect in terms of performance in soil management and in soil and plant biodiversity. The synergy of the positive effects of ZEOWINE on the soil and on the plant has been demonstrated by the improvement of nutritional and water efficiency, the reduction of the need for fertilizer supply, the closure of the production cycle of the waste material from the supply chain and the improvement of the quality of the wines produced.