Effects of the Application of Different Types of Vermicompost Produced from Wine Industry Waste on the Vegetative and Productive Development of Grapevine in Two Irrigation Conditions

Fernando Sánchez-Suárez, María del Valle Palenzuela, Cristina Campos-Vazquez, Inés M. Santos-Dueñas, Víctor Manuel Ramos-Muñoz, Antonio Rosal () and Rafael Andrés Peinado ()
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Fernando Sánchez-Suárez: Agricultural Chemistry, Soil Science and Microbiology Department, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, N-IV Road, Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
María del Valle Palenzuela: Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Department, University Pablo de Olavide, Utrera Road, Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
Cristina Campos-Vazquez: Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Agrifood Campus of International Excelence CeiA3, Nano Chemistry Institute (IUNAN), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Inés M. Santos-Dueñas: Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Agrifood Campus of International Excelence CeiA3, Nano Chemistry Institute (IUNAN), University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
Víctor Manuel Ramos-Muñoz: Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)-Instituto de la Grasa (IG), Campus Pablo de Olavide University, Building 46, Road km 1, 41013, Seville, Spain
Antonio Rosal: Molecular Biology and Biochemical Engineering Department, University Pablo de Olavide, Utrera Road, Km 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
Rafael Andrés Peinado: Agricultural Chemistry, Soil Science and Microbiology Department, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, N-IV Road, Km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-22

Abstract: This study evaluates the agronomic potential of two types of vermicompost—one produced solely from wine industry residues (WIR) and one incorporating sewage sludge (WIR + SS)—under rainfed and deficit irrigation conditions in Mediterranean vineyards. The vermicompost was obtained through a two-phase process involving initial thermophilic pre-composting, followed by vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida for 90 days. The conditions were optimized to ensure aerobic decomposition and maintain proper moisture levels (70–85%) and temperature control. This resulted in end products that met the legal standards required for agricultural use. However, population dynamics revealed significantly higher worm reproduction and biomass in the WIR treatment, suggesting superior substrate quality. When applied to grapevines, WIR vermicompost increased soil organic matter, nitrogen availability, and overall fertility. Under rainfed conditions, it improved vegetative growth, yield, and must quality, with increases in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), sugar content, and amino acid levels comparable to those achieved using chemical fertilizers, as opposed to the no-fertilizer trial. Foliar analyses at veraison revealed stronger nutrient uptake, particularly of nitrogen and potassium, which was correlated with improved oenological parameters compared to the no-fertilizer trial. In contrast, WIR + SS compost was less favorable due to lower worm activity and elevated trace elements, despite remaining within legal limits. These results support the use of vermicompost derived solely from wine residues as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, in line with the goals of the circular economy in viticulture.

Keywords: vermicompost; grapevine waste; fertilization; circular economy; sewage sludge (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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