Abstract

This research concentrated on the evaluation of the feasibility to integrate winery sludge to the compost of grape pomace and grape stalks. These tests were carried out in a Vineyard on the Maule Valley in Chile, throughout the composting process, it was monitored temperature, pH, humidity, and apparent density. Also, it was determined the effects of different bulk portions in relation to physicochemical properties and the heavy metals content in the course of the 3 different phases of the composting process: The initial mesophilic stage, thermophilic stage, and the late mesophilic. An increase in the content of nitrogen, nutrients, and humidity was identified when incorporating winery sludges at the beginning of the process, also enriching the physical structure of the bulks. However, there is a risk of phytotoxicity linked to the heavy metals present when the proportion of mud is high. Meanwhile, a lower proportion (10%) accomplishes a resulting compost without phytotoxic risk and between the parameters of the current legislation in Chile, qualified as a B-class compost. Consequently, it is feasible to include winery sludge in the proportion v/v 10% sludge-90% pomace and stalk.