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Description
The overall goal of the project is to recycle organic waste with high nutritional content, such as of sewage sludge and bio-wastes, into a bio stimulant for agricultural and landscaping application as an innovative and 100% waste-free solution. Through implementation of the innovative technique and production of a sustainable, market competitive product, the competitiveness of Atlas Agro Science Ltd. will improve substantially and without any negative effects on the environment.
In terms of environmental impact:
a) A significant reduction in the quantity of waste (sewage sludge) sent for incineration of 460 tons by end project and avoided ~735,000 KG of CO2 emissions from combustion;
b) Production of a bio stimulant that will improve plant immune system, increase resistance to abiotic stresses (droughts, floods, extreme weather conditions) and climate change, stronger root system, increased fertility, and improved soil conditions;
c) Reduced environmental and climate footprint in contrast to synthetic and chemical fertilizers.
With better understanding of markets and product segmentation, the applicant would be able to execute refined future international sales strategy. Atlas Agro Sciences Ltd. has thoroughly analysed competitors and markets and would be ready to produce final go-to-market product and meet new potential customers. Moreover, the bio stimulant offers great benefits for farmers. It can lead to 15% bigger yield on a variety of crops with decreased usage of standard fertilizers, thereby increasing farmers'' income.
Summary of project results
Securing a food supply for an increasing global population is one of the greatest challenges nowadays. The agriculture industry currently uses huge quantities of mineral fertilisers and pesticides which destroy soil quality, pollute waters, emit greenhouse gases and lead to significant health hazards for people. Sewage sludge is of the most important organic wastes that can be used as organic fertiliser as it contains many essential plant nutrients. However, the direct application of sewage sludge in agriculture poses serious environmental and health risks, as it may contain heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants that can contaminate the soil, water and crops. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative ways to utilise sewage sludge as a resource and to replace synthetic fertilisers with organic alternatives that are safe, effective and environmentally friendly.
The project aimed to develop a new category of organic fertiliser, namely a plant bio-stimulant, through using an innovative technology to transform the compost obtained from the anaerobically stabilised sewage sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into a product that complies with Directive 86/278/EEC. The project uses only sewage sludge that is free of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants as feedstock, ensuring the quality and safety of the final product.
The project''s bio-stimulant is unique with its high organic substance delivered through circular economy principles, which results in improved plant immune system, higher resistance to abiotic stress, higher resistance to climate change, stronger root system and higher fertility. The project''s solution also contributes to limiting climate change by the considerable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the lower environmental footprint of the project''s product compared to conventional mineral fertilisers.
The advantages of the bio-stimulant are:
- Improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil and restoration of its nutritional functions;
- Reducing the acidity of the soil and enhancing its water retention capacity;
- Increasing the availability and uptake of nutrients by the plants;
- Stimulating the growth and development of beneficial microorganisms in the soil;
- Enhancing the crop yield and quality;
- Reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides;
- Creating value from waste and promoting circular economy.
One of the primary goals of the project was to test and validate the innovative product developed by the applicant. This product, a bio-stimulant, aims to enhance the growth and quality of various crops while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional fertilizers. It is derived from a natural and organic compound that boosts the plant''s metabolism and improves its resistance to stress factors. The project comprised several activities:
The first activity involved testing the methodology for producing the bio-stimulant from raw materials. The applicant acquired the necessary ingredients and equipment and followed a specific protocol to create the final product. Subsequently, the product underwent laboratory analysis to verify its chemical composition and biological activity, with results confirming that it met the expected standards and was ready for field trials.
The second activity was preparing for acceptance testing of the product with potential customers. The applicant obtained packaging materials of various sizes and labels to distribute the product to selected farmers. Additionally, the applicant organized the transportation and delivery of the product to multiple locations across Europe, providing instructions and guidelines on how to use the product and monitor and record the results.
The third activity focused on developing and implementing a marketing strategy for the product. To achieve this, the applicant hired a consultant to design a long-term digital marketing plan aimed at promoting the product and its benefits to the target audience. The applicant created a website, social media accounts, newsletters, and online advertisements to engage potential customers. They also conducted market research on the demand and preferences of European farmers regarding bio-stimulants and organic farming. An index was utilized to assess the suitability of each market for the product and its customization service, which allows farmers to test their soil and adjust the product according to their specific needs and conditions.
The fourth activity entailed conducting end-user testing of the product with key customers, dealers, and sales channels. The applicant organized meetings and demonstration days for participants to observe the product in action and understand its advantages. Feedback and testimonials were gathered from farmers who used the product, comparing the results to control groups. The applicant also evaluated the economic and environmental impact of the product on the farmers'' income and resource usage. The findings revealed that the product increased crop yield and quality while reducing input costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The project helped the applicant to make the final steps of the product development and reach Technological Readiness Level (TRL) 8.
The project achieved remarkable results for both the company and the environment, by turning organic waste into a valuable bio-stimulant that can enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The main outcomes and impacts of the project are:
- For the company: increased competitiveness, innovation capacity, and market opportunities, by developing and implementing a novel technique to produce a high-quality bio-stimulant from sewage sludge and bio-wastes, with low production costs and high profitability.
- For the farmers and landscapers: improved crop performance, soil health, and resilience to climate change, by using a natural and organic bio-stimulant that can stimulate plant growth, immunity, and nutrient uptake, as well as reduce soil acidity, increase water retention, and restore soil functions.
- For the society and the environment: reduced waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental pollution, by diverting organic waste from incineration and landfilling, and by replacing synthetic and chemical fertilizers with a more eco-friendly and circular alternative.
The beneficiaries of the project are:
- Atlas Agro Science Ltd., the project promoter and producer of the bio-stimulant, who gained a competitive edge in the bio-economy sector and increased its revenue and reputation.
- The end-users of the bio-stimulant, such as farmers, horticulturists, landscapers, and gardeners, who can benefit from a better quality and quantity of their crops, as well as lower costs and risks associated with conventional fertilizers.
- The wastewater treatment plants and the municipal authorities, who can reduce their waste management costs and environmental impact by providing their sewage sludge and bio-wastes as raw materials for the bio-stimulant production.
- The general public and the consumers, who can enjoy safer and healthier food products, as well as a cleaner and greener environment.