Evaluating Sustainable Use and Management of Winery Solid Wastes through Composting

  • A.R. Mulidzi Agricultural Research Council

Abstract

Most solid waste produced by South African wineries during wine making processes includes wine filter
wastes derived from perlite and Diatomaceous earth. Wine filter wastes together with grapevine pruning
canes, berry skins, seeds and stalks can be used to make compost as a waste minimization and management
strategy for the wine industry. The objective of the study was to investigate the feasibility of using winery
solid waste and grape products on composting. Wine filter wastes together with grapevine pruning canes
and berry skins, seeds and stalks were successfully used to make compost of good quality. Compost piles
that had between 40% to 50% of wine filter wastes resulted in successful composting. Turning of compost
heaps increased temperatures, which was a positive factor during composting. Furthermore, some compost
parameters are likely to change from season to season as composting weather conditions, quantities and
probably also chemical composition of wine filter wastes generated seasonally may vary.

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Author Biography

A.R. Mulidzi, Agricultural Research Council

Soil and Water Science Division, ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch

Research Team Manager

Published
2021-10-22
Section
Articles