The future of the vineyard is linked to environmentally friendly agriculture. In Familia Martínez Bujanda we are very clear that our tradition in the cultivation of vineyards drives us towards the search for solutions that improve the performance of our vineyards while being sustainable and respectful with the environment.
That is why we strive to adopt strategies and systems that can have a positive environmental impact. As part of this strategy, at
Finca Antigua
we have been testing for some time the results of an innovative idea: using artificial turf used in soccer fields in the vineyard to achieve a mulching effect and reduce the volume of water needed for irrigation.
It has been a year since we tested this method, and we can affirm that the results are very effective. Currently, the system occupies almost one hectare of the Finca Antigua vineyard and we have achieved a 90% reduction in soil evaporation. This is due to the fact that artificial turf absorbs heat and avoids heating the soil and the consequent evaporation of water, in addition, as it is dark, it does not reflect sunlight on the vine and does not advance ripening as the traditional way with straw did.
In addition, covering the soil with a used material that remains stable throughout the grape cycle prevents weeds from growing, making tillage to clear the soil of weeds unnecessary. The moisture level of the vine is also better preserved. This reduces our carbon footprint by saving fuel.
We will need more years to evaluate its effect on the soil and conclude the results.
Finca Antigua is the Familia Martínez Bujanda winery most oriented to innovation and technological advances. Finca Antigua is committed to new forms of viticulture in which the use of resources and sustainability play a leading role.
Another example is the use of nanotechnology in its irrigation systems, which has achieved a 50% saving in the volume of water used to irrigate the vineyards, and meant that Familia Martínez Bujanda won last year the award for Best Water Managementgranted by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha.
In Familia Martínez Bujanda we are aware of our responsibility in the care of the environment and we try to move towards a future in which viticulture is increasingly sustainable.