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Above: Biochar made from organic matter enriches the soil, helps retain moisture and locks carbon inv the ground, supporting Nederburg’ s climate smart farming goals.
An important feature of biochar is that it is recognised as carbon negative. It remains in a highly stable form in the soil, indefinitely, storing carbon potentially for hundreds if not thousands of years.
Van Graan mixes the biochar produced at Nederburg with compost derived from grape skins, stems, pips, as well as other organic waste on the farm, together with recycled water. The mix is then inoculated with nutrients and beneficial organisms.
He points out that Nederburg has also been a WWF Conservation Champion since 2020, recognised back then for its assi-duous water stewardship. From water-saving irrigation techniques and cellar processes to land rehabilitation, it has made water management a central feature of its sustainability practices.
Nearly 30 years ago, the farm was also used to pilot the development of South Africa’ s eco-friendly Integrated Production of Wine( IPW) protocols, now followed by almost the entire country’ s wine industry.
DES 2025 | JAN 2026 GROND TOT MOND 65