Biopass Project

In the last few years, together with the Agronomi SATA group, we have payed great attention to develop ways to respect and increase the biodiversity in our vineyards, through the BIOPASS project, with particular reference with respect of the soil and the production. Taking action to monitor the physical quality and biological fertility of the soil.
The BIOPASS project is in cooperation with the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (DISAA) of the University of Milan (group of Prof. Leonardo Valenti) and with the Edmund Mach Foundation of S. Michele all’Adige (group of Dr E. Mescalchin)

With evidence, according to international protocols, the presence of organisms that are more sensitive to a disturbed environment are collected. Depending of the individual microorganisms found, a score is assigned. The results provide a QBS-ar (biological soil quality through microartropods). QBS-ar index values above 150 are found only in undisturbed environments such as forests. Values below 50 indicate poor quality environments. A QBS with values between 100 and 150 is indicative of a good average organic soil quality. Santus vineyards have QBS values between 107 and 121.
Various studies have pointed out that a high QBS value is closely linked to the quality of the wine. Historically, vineyards that produce the best quality wines, always have high levels of QBS.