EM CASE STUDIES

Export-Quality Table Grapes Through Regenerative Agriculture

Agrícola SERENGUETI S.A.C. achieves exceptional yields and export quality in 36 hectares of table grapes through consistent EM application.

Overview

At Agrícola SERENGUETI S.A.C., located in the Pisco region of Peru, a strategic shift toward regenerative agriculture has redefined its production model. By integrating EM Technology across 36 hectares of “Autumn Crisp” table grapes, the farm has moved beyond traditional inputs to create a resilient, high-productivity system. Over four years of continuous use, this approach has demonstrated that biological soil restoration is key to producing high-quality fruit with the firmness and berry size required for demanding export markets.

Challenges

Table grape cultivation in the coastal desert regions of Peru faces significant environmental and biological pressures:

  • Soil Health and Cropping Fatigue: Continuous cropping cycles without sufficient restoration often lead to “soil fatigue” and declining yields.
  • Pest and Disease Pressure: Vulnerability to nematodes and fungal diseases like Powdery Mildew (Oidium) and Downy Mildew.
  • Resistance: Resistance caused by the excessive use of chemical fungicides.
  • Waste Management: Traditional disposal of pruning and thinning residues was inefficient and failed to return nutrients to the soil.
  • Market Demands: The need for consistent “export quality,” specifically firm berries with large size.

EM Application

The farm optimized its production by making EM Technology a pillar of its management throughout the entire season.

Early-season treatment:
Consistent application of 20 Liters of EM・1 per hectare per season.

Soil and Irrigation Management:
EM・1 is applied through the irrigation system to restore the soil’s biological, physical, and chemical fertility. This promotes the development of a healthy, dense root system.

On-Field Composting (EM Mulch):
Residues from pruning, leaf removal, and de-budding are left in the field as mulch. EM・1 is applied to these residues to accelerate their decomposition into humic substances, providing food for macrofauna such as earthworms.

Foliar Application:
Regular foliar spraying of EM・1 acts as a biological barrier and biostimulant, helping protect the canopy from environmental stress and pathogens.

Effects and Results

Exceptional Yields and Quality:
The farm achieved high yields of 40,000kg of exportable grapes per hectare. The berries show remarkable firmness and aesthetic appeal, with berry diameters consistently reaching 32mm or more.
Living soils promote greater plant resistance to pests and diseases.

Elimination of Chemical Fungicides and Nematicides:
Despite favorable conditions for nematodes, the restored microbiological balance of the soil has eliminated the need for synthetic nematicides, significantly reducing costs and the chemical load. It also helps control Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew.

Improved Plant Health and Resilience:
The living soil promotes greater plant resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to more stable production and healthier vines.

Enhanced Root Architecture:
There has been a significant increase in fine absorptive root hairs. These roots remain healthy and vigorous, without the damage typically caused by soil-borne pests.

Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Fertility:
EM・1 contributes to biological nitrogen fixation, increasing nitrogen availability in the soil and supporting healthy vine development.

Cost Efficiency and Stress Mitigation:
The use of EM・1 has reduced expenditures on fertilizers and fungicides. Unlike agrochemicals, EM・1 does not cause phytotoxicity; instead, it helps plants mitigate environmental stress and prevents the development of fungicide resistance.

Circular Nutrient Management:
By converting former “waste” (pruning residues) into valuable humus directly in the furrows, the farm has created a self-sustaining cycle of fertility that prevents plant exhaustion even after successive high-yield seasons.

(From left) Official partners in Peru: Mr. Jaime Arotinco, Ms. Tracy Najar, Mr. Edison Peres and Mr. Francis Reyes.

For further information, please contact:

BIOEM SAC
Torres Malarín 355, Pueblo Libre. Lima, Peru
Tel +51 – 943603740 /+51 – 952086694
Email administracion@bioem.com.pe
Website www.bioem.com.pe

Or

Jaime Arotinco, Agricultural Engineer
Grape Cultivation & EM Specialist
Tel: +51 956 552 402
Agrícola SERENGUETI S.A.C. – Fundo Colomba, Pisco, Peru

2026.3.5 Updated

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