Article

How to start using compost at a commercial growers scale

Your industry, our expertise. Learn about the full-circle support we provide for a successful transition to compost use.

Get started by downloading our free guide.

The long-term investment in your soil

So you’re thinking of using compost to naturally increase your soil’s health?

Starting to use compost on a commercial scale is more than just a choice, it's an investment in your soil's future. Compost enriches soil structure, holds nutrients, and promotes microbial activity, helping to achieve your sustainability goals as well as produce thriving crops year after year.

Results are not always instant as it takes time for compost to work its way into your soil but with every application, your soil structure will improve and organic matter will increase naturally. So don’t be disheartened if you do not see results in the first year. Regular application is the key to improving your soil’s health and getting a return on investment further down the track.

Here are the benefits of compost when applied regularly:

Enhanced crop quality for taste, size and nutritional value
Improved soil fertility by adding essential nutrients and organic matter
Promote crop health with reduced plant diseases and pests
Improve soil moisture and water retention for plants
Prevents soil erosion and improves soil structure
Saves money through reduced maintenance costs
Ensures your soil is healthy year after year for increased yield

See results from Accolade Wines trial

Finding the Right Soil Health Solution for Your Goals

The first step is aligning your goals with the right soil health solution. Different crops and conditions call for different compost blends. Our experts can guide you in choosing the best fit for your needs, ensuring you're set up for success from the beginning.

1
Enquiry
If you are looking for commercial media for your growing operation, simply submit your query and we will respond within one business day.
2
Call
A member of our technical team will contact you regarding you enquiry, with the goal of determining the most suitable solution for your needs. Following this discussion, we will arrange an in-person meeting on site for further discussion.
3
On site visit
The on-site visit is a cruicial step in gaining a comprehensive understanding of your soil health goals. We take this as an opportunity to learn about your operations, environmental challenges and communicate our sales & delivery logisitics. This allows us to offer solutions and discuss foreseeable issues.
4
Proposal
We will take into account your requirements and provide you with an official proposal for your project, which will also outline the available delivery options.
5
Delivery
Our technical team will work with you to ensure your first delivery is a success. They will transfer you to a designated account manager who will provide ongoing support for all future orders.
6
Send us an enquiry
Reach out to find out how we can help
Submit a form Give us a call

Item 1 of 6

Incorporating Compost into Vineyard Management

Compost application can be extremely beneficial to your vineyard's soil health but to get the most out of your investment you need to understand when, where, and how to apply it effectively.

01
Assess your vineyard's needs
What your soil needs depends on what it already has and what it is lacking. This can drastically change depending on your location and soil type. We recommend getting a soil consultant to assess your soil to gain an understanding of where you can improve. They will also be able to advise you on how much of each nutrient you need, which compost is best suited and how much compost to apply.
02
Source quality compost
We are pleased to say you have already ticked this one off your list. Azwood has a range of quality consistent composts to cater for all growing environments. Talk to one of our team today about your growing needs and we can recommend the right product for you.
03
Timing
Select the appropriate time for compost application that aligns with your vineyard management plan. There is no perfect time to spread compost however most vineyards tend to spread between May and October, allowing the compost to integrate with the soil before the growing season.
04
Application Rates
Determine the appropriate compost application rate based on the results of your soil analysis and recommendations from a soil consultant that align with your vineyard goals. Applying too much can be a waste of resources and applying too little may not provide the correct nutrients your plants need leading to substandard results.
05
Application
Some growers choose to spread compost themselves but we recommend getting a contractor to spread your compost so you can achieve the best results. Compost is an investment and you want it spread as evenly as possible. Contractors have the experience and equipment necessary to spread efficiently and accurately under vine.
06
Monitor Progress
It’s important to assess the results of compost when applied to your vineyard. Look for signs of improved soil structure, increased nutrient availability, and healthier vine growth. Soil consultants can help track changes in your soil and recommend adjustments to achieve the best results. Long-term results can also be seen with increased yield per hectare which is the ultimate goal for any vineyard wanting to improve their soil health.
07
Continuous Improvement
Composting is not a one-time application but an ongoing process. Continuously refine your composting practices based on results from your vines and feedback from your soil tests. Adapt to the changing conditions and learn from your experiences to ensure long-term sustainability and grape quality in your vineyard.

The full package

Our partners

We believe in providing a complete package for your sustainability journey. We collaborate with experienced soil consultants who understand local conditions and can tailor recommendations. Plus, our network of professional spreaders ensures that your compost is applied effectively, optimizing its benefits for your vineyard. We also have great relationships with external freight companies for those outside of the Nelson Tasman area.

Ongoing customer relationship

We care about your results. We're not just here for the sale – we're here for the long haul. As your partner, we're committed to supporting your soil health journey. We're eager to hear about your progress and address any concerns, ensuring you're gaining on your investment.

Resources for further clarity

If you're still unsure or want to dive deeper, we've got you covered. Check out our recommended resources that provide more insights into compost's impact on soil health and crop yield. We're dedicated to empowering you with knowledge, so you can make informed decisions for your growing operations.

Industry articles
Learn more about the importance of soil health and how you can benefit from compost applications for sustainable winegrowing.
Read articles
Case studies
Don't just take our word for it, hear from our clients who have seen great results by applying compost to their soils or using Azwood's potting mix.
Read stories
Soil health series
Our 12-part video series on soil health for vineyards. Geoff Warmouth from Biostart discusses the key areas of consideration for improving soil health and the use of Azwood's compost.
Watch series
Lerning centre
Use our interactive learning centre to get your questions answered. Information relating to the horticulture and viticulture industry.
Learn more