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Introduction:
The use of compost in a vineyard can
be very beneficial for a number of reasons. Compost can increase
soil fertility,  organic
matter, soil microbial activity, the growth and health of grapevines
and a number of other parameters important to the grape grower.
Although there are many potential benefits of using compost in vineyards,
there is also potential for the misuse of compost as well. One is
the over application of nitrogen through the continuous use of compost.
Growers must determine how to use compost to their best advantage
in the vineyard without causing long-term problems. The effects
of compost will remain in the soil and be evident in the vine for
5 to 7 years after the compost has been applied.
See the bulletin, " A
Practical Guide to the Application of Compost in Vineyards, Fall
2003 " in extension resources, for more detail on compost
selection, rate, and timing, vineyard nutrient management, three
years of research using four compost types, a summary of graduate
students research projects, and " How To Read a Compost Analysis
Report -What's Important," also, how and where you can get
your compost tested.
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