Composting & compost extracts for soil health & structure
The impact, measured
Time horizon: 1–3 seasons
Why it works
Compost directly adds stable organic matter and microbiology, improving structure, retention and nutrient availability.
What to measure for this pairing
Why this goal matters
Soil health is the foundation of regenerative viticulture. A soil with good structure, biological activity and organic matter infiltrates and holds more water, releases nutrients gradually and supports a vine that leans less on external inputs.
It is measured by organic matter, aggregate stability, infiltration and soil life (earthworms, microbial respiration). Every one of these responds to how you manage cover, tillage and added organic matter — and all are recordable season over season.
Goal indicators
Market & certification: Increasingly required by sustainability schemes and buyers auditing soil practices.
How to implement the practice
- 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.
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.
Same practice, other goals
Same goal, other practices — Soil
How GrapeFlow helps
The proof certification and buyers ask for — logged by plot and date.
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.