Fritz welcomes Clotilde Aschero, an agricultural engineer and consulting oenologist at Terra Mea and Laboratoires Dubernet in France, for a conversation about soil organic matter, microorganisms, and vineyard management. Drawing on her work with winegrowers and her research, Clotilde explains why soil organic matter is more than a number on a lab report.
Clotilde distinguishes between free organic matter and bound organic matter. She explains why there is no universal ideal organic-matter percentage, and discusses using the relationship between organic carbon and clay content to put results in context.
The conversation explores how bacteria, fungi, and protists contribute to soil processes. Clotilde describes how microbial communities respond to practices such as tillage, cover cropping, and different organic inputs, and why the effects depend on soil, weather, and management goals. She discusses combining compost and other amendments with cover crops, choosing cover crops suited to local conditions, and avoiding deep burial of compost where oxygen and microbial activity may be limited.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Soil organic matter supports soil structure, nutrient storage, water movement, and microbial activity
- There is no single ideal organic-matter percentage; interpret results in the context of soil type
- Use consistent, geolocalized sampling and field observations to understand soil conditions
- Cover crops and compost can play complementary roles, but choices should reflect local climate, soil, and management goals
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Today’s Guest:
Clotilde Aschero is an agricultural engineer and consulting oenologist at Terra Mea and Laboratoires Dubernet in France. Bridging the gap between scientific innovation and the field, she works directly with winegrowers to optimize everything from rootstock selection and soil health to harvest timing and final tastings. Clotilde also spearheads vital R&D initiatives exploring the intricate relationships between soil microorganisms, cultivation practices, and vine health.
Connect with Clotilde – https://terra-mea.fr/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/terra-mea-soil/
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode is brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and Sunridge Nurseries.
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