The McQueen Estate, part of Bledsoe Wine Estates will be a participant in the Qualterra biochar research project in 2024.
Walla Walla, WA, August 21, 2024 — Qualterra, a leader in sustainable agriculture technologies, is proud to announce a new partnership with Bledsoe Wine Estates to study the effects of biochar on vineyard soil health and water holding capacity. This research will evaluate the impact of biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment, on soil moisture retention, nutrient availability, and the quality of grapes cultivated in the vineyards.
Through this partnership, Qualterra will further diversify its strategic crop portfolio and utilize their balanced approach to biochar market development, which focuses on advancing applied scientific research in collaboration with growers and commercial agricultural industries. The study aims to provide valuable insights into how biochar can enhance soil productivity, impact water holding capacity, vineyard sustainability, and ultimately, the characteristics of the wines produced.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Qualterra to explore how biochar can improve the performance and health of our soils and, ultimately, our wines,” said Josh McDaniels, CEO and Director of Winemaking at Bledsoe Wine Estates. “Our commitment to sustainability drives us to continuously innovate in our practices, and we’re eager to see how this research can positively impact the productivity and health of our soils.”
Qualterra’s Ag Biochar product, created from organic materials through their proprietary process that utilizes both pyrolsis and gasification in one of their Biomass Processing Units (BPU), has gained attention for its ability to sequester carbon while improving soil structure and water retention. Qualterra’s collaboration with Bledsoe Wine Estates reflects the company’s dedication to driving agricultural innovation through research and delivering real-world results for growers.
“Partnering with Bledsoe Wine Estates provides a unique opportunity to merge next-generation biochar research with the science and art of vineyard grape growing,” said Mike Werner, CEO of Qualterra. “We’re grateful for their forward-thinking approach, and together, we’re exploring how biochar can contribute to a more sustainable future for vineyards and agriculture as a whole.”
This partnership underscores both companies’ shared commitment to sustainability and agricultural innovation, with the goal of benefiting vineyards and winemaking for years to come.
For more information, visit qualterraag.com and bledsoewineestates.com.
About Qualterra
Qualterra is a sustainable agriculture technology company. Qualterra’s platform of commercialized technologies follow a plant life cycle from molecular plant testing and breeding support to propagation and nursery products through biomass waste processing and biochar production. Qualterra, headquartered in Washington State, USA, has three commercial facilities located in the main agricultural production area of the state. Learn more about Qualterra at: www.qualterraag.com.