What is preparation 501 and when is it used?
Preparation 501 (horn silica) is one of the essential preparations used in biodynamic viticulture. It’s used in conjunction with preparation 500 (horn manure) and is used to treat the foliage of the vine.
Horn silica is said to promote vertical growth, vigour and reinforce the affects of sunlight.
Yesterday we went to see Arnaud Herivault of Domaine d’Orfeuilles in the Vouvray appellation. He was in the process of preparing preparation 501 that he was going to apply just after we left.
The biodynamic approach to viticulture is a holistic approach that includes a series of tisanes sprayed in the vinegard at precise moments during the season. It works in the same way as homeopathy.
Arnaud has had a very difficult season. He suffered 60% losses after the April frosts and then pratically everything else was wiped out by a random hail storm on June 3rd. He brought in 5hl/ha this year.
He’s very convinced by the biodyanmic approach to growing vines and making wine and was applying the 501 to give strengh and vigour to his vines as they approach dormancy. The canes were very badly damaged during the hail storm and will require very careful handling at pruning.
See the little video below that shows the dynamiser at work. It goes in one direction until a vortex is created and then swaps direction.
Just one teaspoon (5g) of silica dissolved in 240 litres of naturally collected rainwater. Then, there is a 2 hour window to apply it. The potion remains very dynamic for the first hour and can be used for another.
Fascinating isn’t it?
