Green manure for nutrition & fertility
The effectiveness, measured
Time horizon: 1–2 seasons
Why it works
Biological nitrogen fixation by legumes is the main renewable, organically-authorised nitrogen source.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this problem matters
Without synthetic mineral fertilisers, organic nutrition is indirect: you feed the soil, and the soil feeds the vine. Nitrogen comes from legumes and organic matter, and mineralisation runs at the pace of soil biology.
That requires planning — green manures, authorised organic amendments and regular analyses — to balance vigour and yield without the excess that raises disease susceptibility. Organic nutrition is soil management, not a fertiliser bag.
Problem indicators
Certification & rules: Only authorised inputs; traceability of applications is required at certification.
How to apply the means
- 1Choose the legume mix for the nitrogen need.
- 2Sow in autumn to use the moisture.
- 3Terminate/incorporate in spring before competition.
- 4Log sowing and incorporation per plot.
Frequently asked
How much nitrogen does green manure supply?
It depends on mix, biomass and conditions, but well-established legumes supply a significant part of the vine’s nitrogen needs.
Doesn’t it compete with the vine for water?
It can, if unmanaged. Terminating/incorporating before the dry period and leaving residue as cover reduces competition.
Same means, other problems
Same problem, other means — Nutrition
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof organic certification demands — logged by plot and date.
Fertilisation plan & analyses
Per-plot needs, organic amendments applied and soil and leaf analyses in one place.
Electronic field notebook
All operations — weeding, green manure, biocontrol — logged by plot and date, ready for organic certification.