Bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems for fertilising products to reduce microplastics pollution & promote soil health

The presence of microplastics in soil has been reported to alter soil organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon storage. It is estimated that 8 000 tonnes of polymers are used annually in the EU in polymer coated fertilisers (PCF)[[Assessment of agricultural plastics and their sustainability: A call for action (fao.org) 2021]]. PCF can be used as additives to improve physical properties of fertilisers or to produce slow/controlled release fertilisers (SRF/CRF). CRFs help synchronise nutrients release according to crop needs, increasing efficiency and reducing losses to the environment. Non-biodegradable plastics accumulate in the ecosystem, can be assimilated by animals and can be ultimately consumed as food by humans.[[Microplastics – ECHA europa.eu]] Each year around 42 000 tonnes of microplastics end up in the environment. Polymer coated fertilisers have been identified by FAO as high priority in terms of risk of microplastic release. Bio-based biodegradable polymers may be an alternative to conventional non-biodegradable plastics. However, more research is needed to develop such biodegradable delivery systems and validate them while assessing improvements associated to microplastics release prevention.

Proposals under this topic should:

• Develop circular and sustainable production processes for novel bio-based and biodegradable delivery system(s) for fertilising products. In addition, assess the applicability/adaptability of the delivery system(s) to additional possible agricultural inputs such as pesticides and seeds.
• Validate the delivery system(s) for fertilising products (lab-scale and/or small-scale field trials), ensuring agronomic efficiency, safety, scalability and sustainability with similar or improved properties compared to conventional systems.
• Assess the long-term effect and biodegradability of delivery system(s) when applied in natural soil conditions, applying standard tests, methods and protocols. Biodegradability-related aspects should also be monitored and assessed in fresh, estuarine or marine water (considering the risk of dispersion in water).[[https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2024/1682/oj]]

In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2025[[https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents]] proposals under this topic should:

• Include a task to apply the safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) framework, developed by the European Commission considering the delivery systems and their decomposition products (including microplastics), and taking into account different farming systems (including organic agriculture). Under this context, projects are expected to also contribute with and develop recommendations that can advance further the application of the SSbD framework.[[More specifically, provide thresholds that can support the criteria definition and improvements for the assessment SSbD methodologies, including any specificities related with bio-based chemicals. Recommendations should also include identification of data gaps, especially safety, environmental, but also socio-economic factors, as well as priorities for data collection]]
• As part of the Multi-Actor Approach (MAA), engage with farmers to develop, co-create and test the newly established delivery systems and analyse the effects on plant development, soil health and water.
• Ensure complementarities past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/ Horizon Europe under Mission Soil and relevant and by BBI/CBE JU.[[For example, projects such as: ARAGORN, EDAPHOS and ISLANDR. And CBE-JU projects funded under the topic CBE-2023-IA-02, CBE-2024-RIA-03, CBE-2024-IA-01. The list is not exhaustive.]]