Most growers know it's a good idea to add water and nutrients after harvest. Vines and trees are very similar, so are soil practices. As grapes enter dormancy, crop potential for the next growing season has begun.
Less water applied close to harvest is common. Replenishing soil moisture is essential
In-season tissue analysis determines post-harvest nutritional needs
It's time to help the vines build and store carbohydrates, sugars and nitrogen. Add a carbon source with N fertilizers
Add microbiology with Black Diamond VermiCompost Liquid Biological Extract - microbes enhance fertilizer performance and are fundamental for productive soil
Living soil is productive soil. Plants have amazing communication skills. The vast majority of soil microbes have yet to be identified, but what we do know is when diversity exists, the entire plant, including fruit, above and below ground, benefit.
[Excerpt] Extensive communication occurs between plants and microorganisms during different stages of plant development in which signaling molecules from the two partners play an important role. Fungal and bacterial species are able to detect the plant host and initiate their colonization strategies in the rhizosphere by producing plant growth-regulating substances such as auxins or cytokinins. On the other hand, plants are able to recognize microbe-derived compounds and adjust their defense and growth responses according to the type of microorganism encountered.
This complex and fascinating conversation that takes place between soil microbiology and a plant's root system is part of the ongoing soil science we follow. Minerals and microbes must both be present for the cycle to be effective. The entire article can be found here. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801380/)
By adding teas and/or extracts:
nutrients stored in the bodies of the microbial life are not lost through irrigation or abundant rainfall
hair-thin fungal hyphae, or tentacles, wrap around soil particles in their search for food, forming aggregates for improved soil texture
both the fungi and soluble organic matter are held in the soil
bacteria release a sticky mucous that enable them to cling to solid particles of mineral and organic matter, ensuring they too remain in the soil and, like the fungi, aid in the formation of aggregates.
Properly made compost teas and extracts, when using vermicompost as the base, adds a plethora of unique soluble plant nutrients and growth compounds, a diverse microbial population, and organic matter that provide an ongoing supply of nutrients. The plant receives a consistent and reliable food source when bacteria and fungi feed on the organic matter. This below ground surface microbial activity releases some of the nutrients to the soil and retains others for their own energy and reproduction. When nematodes and protozoa in turn feed upon them, the nutrients stored in the bacterial and fungal cell walls are released to the soil in a highly soluble plant available form. When we feed the soil, the soil feeds nutrients to the plant.
You can learn the differences between aerated compost teas and extracts here
Since you have read this far...(thank you!)...I hope you will take advantage of the offer that ends in October. It's a substantial discount, and we are confident that your vines will wake up next year with energy, vigor and a stronger immune system. The details of the offer can be found on the home page.