Composting & compost extracts
Return stable organic matter and living biology to the soil.
Composting closes the cellar loop: pomace, stems, lees and manure become mature compost that returns stable carbon, nutrients and a diverse microbial community to the soil.
Unlike a fertiliser, compost works over the medium term — it improves structure, water-holding and soil life. Compost teas and extracts stretch the biological benefit at a fraction of the volume, applied under-vine or through irrigation.
Effort
Medium — building, turning and months of maturation.
Cost
Low with own by-products; medium if buying compost.
Time to result
1–4 seasons depending on rate and frequency.
What this practice regenerates
Impact by goal — click through for detail and metrics.
Soil health & structure
Compost directly adds stable organic matter and microbiology, improving structure, retention and nutrient availability.
Time horizon: 1–3 seasons
What to measure for this pairing
Carbon sequestration & climate
Stabilises carbon into long-lived humic forms and recycles by-products that would otherwise emit methane in landfill.
Time horizon: 3–6 seasons
What to measure for this pairing
Biodiversity & ecosystem
Inoculates and feeds the microbial community and soil fauna, raising below-ground biological diversity.
Time horizon: 2–4 seasons
What to measure for this pairing
Water resilience & drought
The added organic matter raises the soil’s water-holding capacity, especially in light, poor soils.
Time horizon: 2–5 seasons
What to measure for this pairing
Input reduction & vine resilience
Supplies slow-release nutrients from by-products, cutting reliance on bought mineral fertiliser.
Time horizon: 2–4 seasons
What to measure for this pairing
How it works
Controlled decomposition stabilises carbon into resistant humic forms and inoculates the soil with microbes that release nutrients gradually.
How to implement
- 1Gather and balance carbon and nitrogen sources (stems, pomace, manure).
- 2Build windrows, monitor temperature and moisture, and turn.
- 3Let it mature until stable (dark, no ammonia smell).
- 4Apply under-vine or brew extracts for foliar/irrigation use.
What to measure
Frequently asked
Can I compost pomace and stems from harvest?
Yes — they are excellent carbon and nutrient sources. Balance with a nitrogen source (manure) and let it mature to avoid acidity and seed issues.
Compost or compost tea?
Compost delivers organic matter and structure; tea delivers mostly biology. Many programmes use both — compost under-vine, extracts to boost soil life.
How often should I apply?
Modest, regular applications (2–5 t/ha) over years beat a single massive dose, both in soil response and cost.
Related reading
Related practices
How GrapeFlow helps
Implement and document this practice by plot, with an audit-ready history.
Electronic field notebook (Portugal)
In Portugal, log every operation — cover sowing, grazing, composting, mowing — by plot and date, with an audit-ready history that proves the practice over the years.
Carbon footprint calculator (free)
A public, no-sign-up calculator to estimate the footprint per bottle and see where the biggest sources are before changing the practice.
Plot registry
Every practice tied to the right plot, with area, variety, rootstock and history — so you know where you did what and can compare blocks.