The SUSFERT project aims to address the widespread usage of mineral fertilisers in EU agriculture, which are largely based on non-renewable resources. It is developing multifunctional fertilisers for phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) supply, which will fit into existing production processes and common EU agricultural practice.
The SUSFERT innovation combines bio-based and biodegradable coatings, probiotics, the renewable P-source struvite, and nutrigels in at least four novel sustainable P and Fe fertiliser products, which may partly or fully replace unsustainable and resource-intensive conventional solutions. SUSFERT will test novel organic formulations, microgranules, granules, soil improvers, novel lignosulfonate-based nutrigels and liquid fertiliser products in field trials, evaluate them regarding economic potential and environmental sustainability, ensure regulatory compliance and establish industry-scale production processes (TRL 7-8). Technological concepts include 1) probiotics based on P and Fe solubilizing Bacilli and Actinobacteria; 2) microbial siderophore (Fe chelator) produced in a demonstration plant; 3) enzymatic modification of the by-product lignin for cost effective, biodegradable controlled release coatings and product stabilization and 4) demonstration of struvite, a renewable P-source from wastewater, as a partial substitute of mineral P.
The main expected impacts of SUSFERT include a 40% reduction in reliance on mined phosphate rock, a strengthened circular economy through the valorisation of waste- and by-products from wastewater treatment, bioethanol production, and pulp and paper, a reduction in soil and water contamination through reduced fertiliser application frequency, and controlled nutrient release for fertilisers, thereby strengthening rural areas through the establishment of local value chains and feedstock sourcing.
SUSFERT integrates these new green technologies into a number of prototypes while preparing data for the product’s registration dossier to expedite market access.
