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The Tecnologia Orientada a la Comunitat (TOC) research group at UPC, in collaboration with the Centre d'Estudis Porcins de Catalunya, leads the AEROFER project, which aims to demonstrate the viability of liquid fertilisers derived from pig manure in aeroponic cultivation, with the intention of later extrapolating it to conventional crops, thereby closing the loop from waste to resource, with a positive environmental impact on the region.
The current situation in the agricultural sector presents significant challenges, especially regarding nutrient management and the reliance on chemical fertilisers. These are subject to a production and availability crisis that has increased costs and heightened pressure on crop sustainability. At the same time, improper management of livestock manure, particularly slurry, has caused soil and groundwater contamination problems, positioning Catalonia as one of the regions most affected by associated nitrates.
In this context, the AEROFER project will demonstrate the transformation of pig manure into liquid fertilisers using an innovative ozone-based purification technology. The viability of these fertilisers will be assessed in an aeroponic cultivation system, which allows for maximum control over the plant growth process with efficient use of resources such as water and nutrients.
Aeroponics, the cultivation technique in which plants grow without soil or substrate, offers multiple advantages in terms of resource savings. This system reuses the nutrient solution, enabling it to operate even in regions with water scarcity or limited water quality. Additionally, it facilitates space-saving through vertical farming and reduces the use of chemical fertilisers, thereby promoting sustainable and industrialised agriculture.
This demonstration project seeks not only to reduce the environmental impact of pig manure but also to promote a significant shift in both the agricultural and pig farming sectors by converting a waste product into a resource to replace chemical fertilisers. It also aligns with key strategies such as the circular economy and climate change adaptation.
Budget and Funding
The project has been funded through the Call for Knowledge Transfer Demonstration Activities, within the framework of the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, by the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia. AEROFER has a total budget of €51,330.19 and a duration of 28 months (February 2024 - June 2026).
Action under the PAC 2023-2027 Strategic Plan co-funded by:
Technology
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