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.
Compost directly adds stable organic matter and microbiology, improving structure, retention and nutrient availability.
Stabilises carbon into long-lived humic forms and recycles by-products that would otherwise emit methane in landfill.
Inoculates and feeds the microbial community and soil fauna, raising below-ground biological diversity.
The added organic matter raises the soil’s water-holding capacity, especially in light, poor soils.
Supplies slow-release nutrients from by-products, cutting reliance on bought mineral fertiliser.
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
Log every operation — cover sowing, grazing, composting, mowing — by plot and date, with an audit-ready history that proves the practice over the years.
Sustainability & carbon-footprint module
Water, energy, fuels and ecological infrastructure in one place, with the carbon footprint computed per season and per bottle.
Plot registry & map
Every practice tied to the right plot on the map, with area, variety and history — so you know where you did what and can compare blocks.