Periodic Reporting for period 1 - bioSOILUTIONS (Enabling underused bio-waste feedstocks into safe and effective market-ready soil improvers.)
Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-11-30
Soils are finite natural resources with critical socio-economic and ecological functions, including food production, biodiversity conservation and regulation of water supplies. Today 60-70% of soils are degraded across the EU due to unsustainable soil exploitation and the disproportionate use of synthetic chemicals .Soil degradation is expected to increase in the coming years because of climate change, increased land use and unsustainable practices linked to human population growth, resulting in direct negative consequences on the food supply chain, environment, biodiversity and human health
Bio-waste is an underused waste stream (70% bio-waste is still landfilled/incinerated) with a high potential for producing valuable soil improvers able to reverse soil degradation
bioSoilutions will overcome these challenges by further developing 4 key bio-waste valorisation routes (VRs) from previous key EU projects and into at least 5 safe, market ready soil-improvers catering the specific needs of entrepreneurs and end users and in the soil improver sector through bioSoilutions living labs.
Bio-waste is an underused waste stream (70% bio-waste is still landfilled/incinerated) with a high potential for producing valuable soil improvers able to reverse soil degradation
bioSoilutions will overcome these challenges by further developing 4 key bio-waste valorisation routes (VRs) from previous key EU projects and into at least 5 safe, market ready soil-improvers catering the specific needs of entrepreneurs and end users and in the soil improver sector through bioSoilutions living labs.
WP1: The workflow for each feedstock production process has been described. Additionally, a review of the current EU regulations regarding the use of materials was conducted. Considering the feedstock's origin and the applicable regulations, a functional characterization and a safety analysis—covering both environmental and human toxicity aspects—were performed.
For the functional characterization, a framework of industrial requirements for feedstocks to be used as raw materials was established. The liquid blood hydrolysate presented obstacles, which were addressed through drying. Three of the different frass samples had higher nitrogen content than expected, while the struvite samples met the physical and chemical requirements for formulation.
WP2: The liquid blood hydrolysate was optimized and produced at a larger scale than initially used in the preliminary trials; it was dried, making it the most suitable product for formulation.
A total of five frass types were produced, of which three were selected for the initial trials based on their characteristics. Additionally, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) struvite were synthesized for incorporation into the soil improver formulation. A total of 41 prototypes we designed. Furthermore, microbial and non-microbial plant biostimulants were integrated into the formulations to enhance the final product's effectiveness. Out of the 41 prototypes, 20 were selected through a consensus among project partners, as well as an evaluation process considering important factors.
The first stage of agronomic validation has been conducted through pot trials using lettuce, wheat, tomato, and pepper. For the second stage, a field trial experiment has been designed in alignment with the CEN/TS 17700 European standard for plant biostimulant testing
WP5: Regarding the actual impact, the Environmental Life Cycle Assessment has started, following the principles, guidelines, and requirements of ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006.
For the functional characterization, a framework of industrial requirements for feedstocks to be used as raw materials was established. The liquid blood hydrolysate presented obstacles, which were addressed through drying. Three of the different frass samples had higher nitrogen content than expected, while the struvite samples met the physical and chemical requirements for formulation.
WP2: The liquid blood hydrolysate was optimized and produced at a larger scale than initially used in the preliminary trials; it was dried, making it the most suitable product for formulation.
A total of five frass types were produced, of which three were selected for the initial trials based on their characteristics. Additionally, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) struvite were synthesized for incorporation into the soil improver formulation. A total of 41 prototypes we designed. Furthermore, microbial and non-microbial plant biostimulants were integrated into the formulations to enhance the final product's effectiveness. Out of the 41 prototypes, 20 were selected through a consensus among project partners, as well as an evaluation process considering important factors.
The first stage of agronomic validation has been conducted through pot trials using lettuce, wheat, tomato, and pepper. For the second stage, a field trial experiment has been designed in alignment with the CEN/TS 17700 European standard for plant biostimulant testing
WP5: Regarding the actual impact, the Environmental Life Cycle Assessment has started, following the principles, guidelines, and requirements of ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006.
A thorough revision of the currently available business models for circular fertilizers and the relevant economic indicators has been carried out. This analysis assesses the viability and the potential in the market. The Living Lab stakeholders, from farmers to researchers, actively contributed through surveys and discussions. In both meeting rounds, they provided insights on biowaste availability and demand for circular fertilizers, shaping a clearer market picture. This exchange of ideas created a strong foundation for future work, and the BioSOILUTIONS project is now fostering a favorable environment for business creation and positive societal impacts
The nutrient recovery capacity of bio-waste has greatly improved, especially for key nutrients like NPK and organic carbon. This progress enhances soil health and opens the door to more sustainable agricultural practices. The project is making a considerable impact on the environment, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. Moreover, the market implementation of these bio-waste-based soil improvers promises to reduce the amount of bio-waste sent to landfills and incineration, addressing two pressing issues at once—waste management and soil degradation.
The results of the safety assessment have been incorporated into the decision-making process regarding which bio-waste feedstocks are most suitable for developing the soil improvers.
The results align closely with the goals of the Soil Health and Food Mission, with the ultimate aim of improving soil health, boosting agricultural productivity, and contributing to sustainable food systems. The collaboration established through the Living Lab process is set to evolve, shaping the future of bio-waste-based soil improvers and driving the project toward long-term success.
The nutrient recovery capacity of bio-waste has greatly improved, especially for key nutrients like NPK and organic carbon. This progress enhances soil health and opens the door to more sustainable agricultural practices. The project is making a considerable impact on the environment, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. Moreover, the market implementation of these bio-waste-based soil improvers promises to reduce the amount of bio-waste sent to landfills and incineration, addressing two pressing issues at once—waste management and soil degradation.
The results of the safety assessment have been incorporated into the decision-making process regarding which bio-waste feedstocks are most suitable for developing the soil improvers.
The results align closely with the goals of the Soil Health and Food Mission, with the ultimate aim of improving soil health, boosting agricultural productivity, and contributing to sustainable food systems. The collaboration established through the Living Lab process is set to evolve, shaping the future of bio-waste-based soil improvers and driving the project toward long-term success.