Principle No. 7
The Natural Agriculture Method (MAN)emphasises the recovery of organic matter as an essential practice. Every agricultural by-product, from pruning residues to leaves, from wood ash to coffee grounds, is regarded as a valuable resource. Burning pruning wood or brushwood is strongly discouraged, as these materials can instead be transformed into compost. For this reason, every farm should be equipped with a chipper and develop practical composting skills, a fundamental practice for:
- Reducing environmental impact through lower water consumption and reduced waste.
- Supporting the circular economy by returning organic by-products to the production cycle.
- Improving soil and crop health by increasing fertility through composting.
- Creating new economic opportunities by transforming agricultural by-products into value-added products.
No Irrigation in the MAN Method
In my region, the MAN Method does not include vineyard irrigation, not even for newly planted vines or during particularly challenging seasons. A meaningful example is theUsignolo Vineyard,planted in June 2022. Although the soil reached temperatures of 65°C in July, the Tempranillo vines developed perfectly without irrigation. This result—and, more generally, the absence of any need for irrigation—was made possible by four key factors:
- Manual planting technique: Young vines are planted without pruning their roots.
- Organic matter:A key component that improves the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients.
- Soil structure:Well-aggregated soils with excellent drainage capacity.
- Environmental conditions:The area’s unique microclimate, shaped by its geographical and geological characteristics.
The Importance of Keeping the Roots Intact
Planting vines with intact roots is an agronomic and environmentally beneficial practice. This method allows vines to develop a complete root system, which:
- Improves the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- Promotes vigorous growth and greater resilience to environmental stress.
- Allows the vine to adapt more effectively to the soil, making the best use of its natural resources.
Le radici intatte interagiscono efficacemente con i microrganismi e i funghi benefici del suolo, come le micorrize, che ottimizzano l’assorbimento di nutrienti e aumentano la resistenza alle malattie.
Sustainable Practices for Improving Soil Health
The MAN Method promotes regenerative practices that build humus, improve soil health and reduce the need for irrigation through:
- Maintaining organic matter through composting.
- Controlled ground cover with permanent vegetation.
- Creating habitats for beneficial wildlife (hedgerows, trees and wetlands).
- Monitoraggio biologico per valutare la vitalità del suolo.
These practices improve water retention, increase the soil’s cation exchange capacity, and stimulate microbial activity, which enhances nutrient uptake. During periods of drought, humus acts as a natural reservoir, gradually releasing the water stored in the soil.
The Role of Clay Soils in the MAN Method
The soils in our area contain highlydeveloped clay formations,deposited during the Pliocene period. These clay-rich soils:
- Retain waterefficiently and release it gradually to the vine roots.
- Have a well-aggregated structure that promotes drainage while reducing the risk of soil compaction.
- Are particularly well suited to late-ripening grape varieties, such as Sangiovese, which benefit from slow and steady ripening.
The combination ofillite and smectite,together with the presence of humus, further improves water retention while reducing structural problems in the soil.
The Area’s Unique Microclimate
The vineyard’s geographical location, with the Arno River to the south and the mountains to the north, creates a favourable climatic and environmental balance. The river provides air movement, humidity and warmth, while the mountains protect the vineyards from cold winds and ensure climatic stability. This natural balance contributes to:
- Preventing water stress during the summer months.
- Promoting the gradual ripening of the grapes.
- Creating a fertile and dynamic environment, ideal for sustainable viticulture.
Conclusions
The MAN Method demonstrates that careful management of the soil and the entire ecosystem can eliminate the need for irrigation, even under challenging climatic conditions. Practices such as composting, permanent ground cover and preserving intact root systems not only improve soil quality but also make agriculture more resilient and sustainable, making the most of the natural resources available.
In the next article, we will explore adaptation to climate change.
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