Making the earth speak

The processes (AFNOR standards) at our certified laboratories undergo constant improvements with an eye toward new testing and measurements so as to become absolutely familiar with soil activity.

An ID card for soils and subsoils:

We first of all direct our attention to surface examinations carried out upstream at the time the farm is surveyed:

• Geological and mineral disparities,
• Variety of plantings,
• Runoff and subterranean hydrology.

 
Sample research strategy:

• Status of sampling areas: plan
• Determination of the number of pits to be dug for our observations,
• Removal of earth samples, 0 to 30 cm, for soil, 30 to 80 cm for subsoil,
• Identification and marking for sampling,
• Rooting, density and depth
• Analyses performed by specialized laboratories, certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, and Méthode Cousinié® references. 
  

In the laboratory:

Granulometry: structure, constituents, homogeneity, observations regarding three specific granulometric compartments,

• Soil and subsoil acidity (pH)
• Microbial biomass: this indicates the degree of soil fertility
• Biological activity index: shows the degree of microflora quality
• Physical characterization of organic matter
  
• Dynamics of organic matter
• Sieve oversize
• Chemical evaluation using oligo-element
• Salinity control
• C:N ratio

The terroir is defined by its own characteristics within a group of mineral and biological values. Crosschecking with our Méthode Cousinié® Reference System allows for an extensive diagnosis of each land plot. We prepare a summary, followed up by a written recommendation. In this way, we gradually obtain a biological control of the soils, with the goal being to reach a very high level of quality for berries and wines.