There fluid vinasseor simply vinassepresents itself as a precious ally for organic farmers, offering a natural and effective solution for plant nutrition. This organic fertilizer, derived exclusively from the processing of vegetable substances, represents a rich source of essential nutrients to promote the healthy and vigorous growth of crops.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of fluid vinasse as a liquid organic fertilizer in the context of organic vegetable gardens and orchards, analyzing its properties, its method of use and the reasons why more and more farmers choose to adopt it as an integral part of their sustainable agricultural practices.
What is free-flowing vinasse and where do you get it from?
The fluid vinasse, also commonly known as joke, is a liquid organic fertilizer which is obtained as a residue from the fermentation and distillation of beet molasses. During the manufacturing process, beet molasses undergoes natural fermentation, which produces alcohol, and is then distilled to extract the desired components. One such component is potash, a compound rich in potassium.
What are its nutrients?
Fluid vinasse is mainly used as a nitrogen fertilizer for agricultural crops. The presence of nitrogen, also in the form of organic carbon, is essential to promote plant growth and the development of vegetative tissues, such as leaves and stems. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for protein synthesis and plant metabolism. In liquid stillage, the concentration of this element can vary on average between 2% and 6% or more, depending on the formulation.
In addition to nitrogen, this fertilizer also provides a significant amount of potassium, thanks to its derivation from the processing of potassophilic beets. Potassium is an important macroelement for plants, as it promotes flowering, fruit formation and resistance to disease. The presence of potassium helps provide plants with a source of this nutrient that is crucial for healthy growth. Fluid stillage can contain a concentration of potassium that varies between 6% and 8%, offering plants a decisive reserve of this important element.
It is important to note that although this fertilizer contains nitrogen and potassium, its phosphorus content is almost non-existent or very low. Consequently, supplementation with other sources of phosphorus, such as organic fertilizers, should be considered mature manure, home compost or earthworm humus.
Furthermore, it also contains traces of valuable trace elements, which are important for the metabolic functions of plants. Among them the most important are copper, iron and zinc.
The fluid vinasse is available in various specific liquid formulations for organic farming, here you will find a selection.
For which crops can fluid vinasse be used?
Fluid vinasse, as a liquid organic fertilizer, can be used for a wide range of fruit and vegetable crops. It is particularly recommended for organic farming, where it is sought to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
The solution is suitable for vegetables such as: tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, courgettes, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, radishes, spinach, onions, melons, potatoes and vegetables in general. These crops benefit from the presence of nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium for root growth, fruit formation and leaf quality.
In organic fruit growing, the vinasse is widely used on crops such as: apple, pear, peach, apricot, cherry, plum, hazel, kiwi, pomegranate and citrus fruits. All of these tree crops can benefit from its use for flowering, fruiting and general plant development. This supply of essential nutrients helps ensure healthy and abundant fruit production.
This organic fertilizer is also used in organic viticulture and olive growing, therefore for the organic fertilization of vines and olive trees. For these crops, which are very important from an economic point of view, it can be a decisive aid for the organic vine grower and olive grower, as the fertilizers allowed by the European regulations are very few.
How is the vinasse administered to the crops?
Fluid vinasse can be applied to crops through several methods, including fertigation, which is a common practice in agriculture. Fertigation combines irrigation with the application of fertilizer, allowing for an even distribution of nutrients in the soil. Fertigation in fertigation, compared to fertilization with solid organic fertilizers, has the enormous advantage that it can be done easily at any time of the crop cycle.
The free-flowing vinasse is diluted in water to obtain a concentrated solution, but suitable for application. The amount to be diluted will depend on the specific crop and vegetative state. For the exact dosage and frequency, it is necessary to refer to the indications on the label of the purchased product.
Fertigation can be done through different irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation (recommended method), micro-sprinkler irrigation or spray irrigation. The diluted free-flowing stillage solution is administered together with the irrigation water. During watering, the solution is distributed evenly through the irrigation system, reaching the roots of the plants.
Fertigation with this organic fertilizer allows for a constant supply of nutrients to the plants, improving root uptake and optimizing the use of nutrients.
Fluid vinasse for fertilizing vegetables, the example of tomatoes
The frequency of administration of the fluid vinasse during the tomato crop cycle can vary according to the specific needs of the crop, the environmental conditions and the fertigation method used. However, in general, some common guidelines can be followed, with an average dosage of 400-600g per 100 liters of water.
During the early stages of tomato growth, when the plants are young and are developing roots, it is recommended to start with weekly applications of fluid vinasse diluted by fertigation. This helps provide plants with an initial supply of essential nutrients to stimulate healthy growth.
As tomato plants grow and develop, the frequency of applications can be increased. During the flowering and fruit formation phase, when the nutritional requirements are higher, it is possible to switch to a diluted administration of fluid stillage every 4-5 days.
During fruit ripening, the frequency can be reduced slightly while maintaining an adequate supply of nutrients to support the completion of the tomato production cycle.
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