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Composting winery waste: sludges and grape stalks
1Miguel Torres S.A., C/Comerç, no. 22, 08720 Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain. ebertran@bio.ub.es
Bioresource Technology
|July 13, 2004
Summary
Composting winery waste, including sludge and grape stalks, is feasible. Optimal results were achieved with a 1:2 residue mix and ground stalks, producing valuable compost for vineyard soils.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Traditional disposal of winery residues presents environmental challenges.
- Winery waste, such as sludge and grape stalks, requires sustainable management solutions.
- Reducing waste production is a key environmental commitment for wineries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of composting winery waste.
- To determine optimal conditions for composting sludge and grape stalks.
- To evaluate the agronomic value of the resulting compost for vineyard soils.
Main Methods:
- Composting two winery residues: sludge and grape stalks.
- Testing two mixing ratios: 1:1 and 1:2 (sludge:grape stalks, v/v).
- Assessing the impact of grinding grape stalks on the composting process.
Main Results:
- Composting of winery sludge and grape stalks was successful.
- The best composting outcome was achieved with a 1:2 residue mix and pre-ground grape stalks.
- Optimal composting conditions included 55% moisture, temperatures around 65°C, and 5-10% oxygen.
Conclusions:
- The generated compost possesses high agronomic value.
- The compost is particularly beneficial for low-organic matter vineyard soils.
- Reintroducing compost into the production system closes the winery's residual material cycle.