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Observing biodiversity an agricultural environment - a project at the Domaine de l’Arjolle

Together with other wine growers of the Côtes de Thongue, the Domaine de l’Arjolle participates in the first national project for the observation biodiversity in agricultural areas.
This project, initiated by the French National Museum of Natural History and the Ministry of Agriculture aims to better understand biodiversity in agricultural areas, and to follow its evolution in relation to cultivation. The farmers participating in this voluntary action observe biodiversity on their land using standardized protocols.

At the Domaine de l’Arjolle, we have chosen the protocol « earth worms » and "solitary bees”

Un verre de Terre de l'Arjolle

A first observation of earthworms was conducted on April 5, 2011 in a vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon. After having sprayed 10 litres of water enriched by 150 g of strong mustard on three different plots of 1 m² each, the upcoming worms were counted. Earthworms actually are excellent indicators for soil quality, being also highly involved in its fertility and aeration. 10, 19 and 28 earthworms a time were counted at the three different plots – a good start

As they were not available before, the nest boxes for the solitary bees have only been installed towards the end of May, about 1 meter high at different places in our vineyards.

Nichoir à abeilles solitaires Domaine de l'Arjolle

In fact, the boxes are made of a certain number of small tubes, where the solitary bees can lay their eggs. The number of occupied tubes, the type of wax-closure used and the number of solitary bees observed in our vineyards will be regularly written down in the observation reports. 

Another earthworm counting will be carried out this winter. Until then, we will surely keep you informed about our bee-project

Domaine de l’Arjolle - always a little further for biodiversity !



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Pierre Cros


Le Clos l’Abbé


Santa Duc


Champagne Paul Lebrun


Château du Cèdre



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