The P500 preparation – Nourishing the soil to care for the vineyards
Late autumn, before the ground cools down, at Vinyes d’Olivardots we begin one of the most important works for our vineyards: the application of the P500 preparation. It is a typical practice of biodynamic agriculture, Rudolf’s Steiner anthroposophy, which helps us keep the land that feeds our vines alive and balanced.
What is the P500 preparation?
P500 is a preparation made from cow bone inside a cow horn, buried for 6 months, from October to April. During this period, microorganisms reproduce inside the horn, generating high concentrations. Once we unearthed the preparation, is dynamized for an hour with warm water in order to accommodate the organisms and later, we applicate it to the soil with a portion between 100 and 200 grams per hectare.
The result is a concentrate with great biological strength that, applied in small quantities, has a very positive impact on the vitality of the soil.
Why do we apply it?
- It enhances and stimulates the microbial life of the soil.
- Improve the structure of the soil and its ability to absorb and retain water.
- Plants self-generate microrhizae in their roots.
- It self-regulates the PH of the vineyard soil.
- It forms humus in the soil.
For us, it is a way of working the land, enhancing its life, giving it what it needs to remain alive, healthy and active.
Working with the rhythms of the moon and the biodynamic calendar
A key aspect of this process is the choice of timing. We apply P500 on days considered favorable according to Maria Thun’s Biodynamic Calendar, a guide based on the rhythms of the moon and cosmic influences on the earth.
We usually choose:
- Days in the Earth constellation → optimal times to work the soil, as they favor underground activity and the consolidation of microbial life.
- Moon in decreasing orbit → more suitable for favoring the concentration of energy towards the ground.
Biodynamic agriculture is a way of observing, listening and synchronizing with the natural rhythms that have guided viticultors for centuries.
Do you want to know more about other preparations or biodynamic agriculture?
Sommelier, Marketing, Comunicació i Enoturisme del celler Vinyes d’Olivardots, DO Empordà
