Vine growth removes nutrients from the soil depleting the soil until it becomes unproductive. Sustainable farming focuses on replenishing the soil while minimizing the use of non-renewable resources.
Langtry Farms utilizes a diversity of nitrogen fixing plants that grow during the winter and that are incorporated into the soil in the spring. These plants include bell beans, common vetch, dundale peas, and barley. Cover crops improve natural fertility and the overall health of the soils.
Langtry Farms composts the pomace from the wine making process to reincorporate some of the nutrients that were removed from the soil.
Gypsum is applied to each vine to incorporate calcium to the soil. Calcium is most needed in higher Magnesium soils to adjust the Calcium to Magnesium balance. Gypsum applications improve the soil structure, increase water infiltration, and reduce the risk of potassium deficiency.
Langtry Farms uses a variety of practices to limit the use of pesticides and herbicides applications, which in turn reduces tractor passes.
