FERTILISER GUIDELINES FOR THE WINE INDUSTRY

should be made responsibly – not in excessive volumes, and preferably in autumn or winter. If a lot of fresh material is used, the spring N-fertilisation instalment should be increased to make provision for the possibility of a N- negative period caused by the breakdown of the material. For producers wanting to prepare their own compost, it is useful to consider the following aspects: • The compost heap should not become a means to dispose of waste • The terrain that is used must comply with legal requirements • Compost may not be prepared closer than 100 m from a water way/source • The surface on which the compost is prepared may not be permeable for water • All runoff water must be contained • Water must be available • Certain management requirements exist with regard to labour and imple ments • Access to raw materials must make it viable • Volume loss during composting process – 25-30% of the volume of material is lost • Seasons have a significant impact on the production process – temperature, rain, raw materials etc. Grape skins and pips This is the most accessible source of organic material for most wine grape producers. The best practice is to use it as a mulch on the vine row, where natural processes will break down the organic material. Grape skins and pips can also be used to prepare compost, preferably in combination with other materials like wood chips.

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