Co-Composting Process of (Sugarbeet) Vinasse and Grape Marc

Beet vinasse, a high density liquid waste from the sugar industry, and grape marc, a primary by-product of wine production, could be recycled as fertilizers due to their high OM and nutrient contents. The direct incorporation of grape marc into agricultural land, a common practice, has become a serious problem because degradation products inhibiting root growth are released (Inbar et al., 1991). Furthermore, the direct aplication of vinasse has also several shortcomings because of its high salinity (EC 250–300 dS m–1), low P content (P₂O₅ 0.012%) and liquid dense character (1.3 g cm–3). An alternative to overcome these disadvantages is the co-composting of vinasse with grape marc.