Scientists in Crimea learned to process grape into organic fertilizer

Scientists of the Sevastopol State University (Crimea) have developed a unit that allows processing any organic waste into fertilizers, particularly grape residues, which are stocked in wineries.

“The use of processed grapes as fertilizer makes more harm than good because it can contaminate the soil. However, it’s disinfected in the new unit. Besides, the fertilizer is crushed into structural particles, which are better absorbed by plants. The final product is applied in liquid form. It’s like our grandmothers used to soak manure in the old days,” explained Elena Stranishevskaya, Head of the laboratory of the All-Russian National Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking Magarach.

Organic fertilizers obtained at the unit have already been applied in one of the institute’s vineyards. As a result, the yield increased by up to 15%, and the rate of sugar accumulation increased by 10-12%.

“The quality of both wine material and wine improved, as the juice contained more phenolic and anthocyanin substances. Phenolic substances are responsible for immunity, making the plant more resistant to negative factors such as pathogens and drought. These figures are higher compared to traditional chemical protection. It’s important for winemakers. The more phenolic substances, the more full-bodied and high-quality wine is obtained,” said Elena Stranishevskaya.

The new solution will be recommended for farms that grow grapes using organic technology. In Russia, they occupy only 50 hectares, and in the world, they take 10% of the total area of plantations.

At the same time, organic fertilizers may be applied not only in vineyards. They will also increase yields of vegetables by 10-15% and improve the quality of plant life.