The preparations
Horn dung (500)
Horn dung (500) to stimulate the growth of the vine. The 500 promotes microbial activity in soils and vertical rooting. The application must be done in the evening and not before 5 p.m.
Horn silica, 501
To balance hot and humid periods: horn silica (501)
Horn silica (501) is made from finely ground silica crystals buried in a cow's horn during the summer period.
The 501 accelerates / revives the growth of the vine.
It should be done while it is growing and before flowering.
Biodynamic advisers attribute many qualities to the 501.
It :
- Firms plants, facilitates vertical growth and therefore training
- Increases the resistance of the epidermis of leaves and fruits
- Improves the nutritional quality and preservation of food
- Compensates for light deficits
- Balances hot and humid periods too favorable to fungal diseases
(Source Practical Guide to Biodynamics P. Masson, L'agriculture Biodynamique F. Bouchet)
Method of preparation and application of horn silica and horn dung
- In ONE energizer, heat 30-40 L of water (up to about 30 °) for one hectare, and add 4 g of horn silica or horn dung. This quantity of water per hectare is sufficient because it is not a question of wetting the vines but of creating a fine mist above the vines.
- Energize for an hour.
- Direct the spray upwards so that it falls on the foliage.
In addition to 4 to 5 sprays of 500 and 501, to reduce the doses of copper and sulfur we apply :
- Horsetail decoction in spring
- The addition to each treatment, mixed with copper and / or sulfur, of a simple or mixed herbal tea. We use, successively or in a mixture: horsetail, nettle, wicker, etc.
- And essential oils (rosemary, lemon orange ... etc.)
The addition of herbal teas makes it possible to reduce the doses of copper and to reduce phytotoxicity.