EcoFertiS - Innovative processing of manures and biowastes of Eco-friendly Fertilizers

The expansion of agri-food production systems, large-scale livestock operations, and the implemented technological progress of soil amendments are important related pillars in maintaining food security in several Mediterranean countries. FAO data and statistics have shown a dramatic increase in fertilizer production and consumption, leading to resource reduction and limitation, which has sparked a drive towards a parallel market for more efficient and less toxic fertilizers. The use of manure in agriculture and soil amendments have evolved for decades caught up with the growth of the world population and the increase in agricultural wastes (bio-waste) whose manure has given way to a real environmental issue (air pollution, caused by the emission of gasses during open burning, propagation of microorganisms, flies and rodents in landfills, contamination of groundwater resulting from uncontrolled leachates). The price of fertilizer, which is among farmers’ greatest expenses, reached all-time highs in the spring of 2022 after Russia, the world’s top fertilizer exporter, invaded Ukraine in February. The Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated an already tight global supply situation that had begun in 2020 with COVID-19-related worker shortages and factory shutdowns, the first of several disruptions that sparked volatility in the fertilizer market. Currently, fertilizer prices have approximately doubled between the summer of 2020 and the end of 2021, this price increase has not only hurt farmers' wallets, but has also impacted production levels. Situation reported in particular for intensive crops requiring spectacular levels of fertilizers such as cereals and vegetable crops. This concern is all the more relevant for countries with arid and semi-arid climates characterized by soils with low organic matter content (< 2%) and limited water resources. In order to meet the above challenges, technological innovation is a life-saving measure that is gaining popularity in the fertilizer market. Eco-FertiS aims to provide effective rich fertilizers (mineral, organic and organo-mineral), using an improved recycling process employing adapted technologies, at low cost and healthier for farmers and for the soil. The transformation of biowastes (manure and plant waste) into biogas and organic fertilizer is one of the most suitable solutions for managing biowaste troubles (mainly pollution). The repercussions on the quality of the soil is just spectacular. It should be noted that many processes have been developed in this direction but have often encountered problems related to the production period (2 to 4 months), foaming, temperature sensitivity, inadequacy, and the poverty of waste in organic matter. EcoFertiS offers a radical solution involving the recycling of biowaste by adopting a physical and microbiochemical process.

EcoFertiS has built a strategy to achieve its goals and objectives. This strategy is based on two sides, 1-technical plane, which required complementarity and synergy between activities to reach the needed results. These activities regroup collecting field data and Soil & feedstock analysis, System development, prototyping and Pilot validation. The desired fertiliser is an Organo-mineral fertiliser with certification, these technical steps need to be assessed for a Sustainable impact. 2-management plane: is crucial for technical activities and EcoFertiS’ success. It manages the overall project, coordinates and concert between participants, ensures tasks are completed successfully, develops collaborations and guarantees project progress and evolution. This activity will implement cooperations, partnerships, long-term exploitation and capacity building actions ( to improve the synergies with various stakeholders and agencies and prepare the production of adequate documentations, training materials as well as technology transfer actions to increase the capacity building of local actors) Furthermore, the project results will be disseminated through many different channels: press, social media, newsletters, publications, scientific papers and a dedicated website. Dissemination events and community engagement actions to raise awareness, create synergies and feed the Stakeholders Piloting Program will be organized.

EcoFertiS adopts a bioeconomy approach within the Mediterranean countries by improving the overall efficient use of new fertilizers and consequently the use of water, aforementioned will improve the overall land productivity by integrating different fertilizing systems. The creation of the Stakeholders & Experts Advisory Committee will initiate and drive discussions to propose adapted answers to the needs of smallholders. An important expected impact from EcoFertiS is reducing environmental pollution related to manure and biowastes. This impact involves an integration of another expected impact on people behavior and awareness about the environmental benefits (reduction of gas emission, limitation of the negative impact of uncontrolled manure deposit, and concomitantly increasing the soil health and fertility) of valorizing the poultry manure and employing their green bio-based fertilizer. The collaboration between all partners within the project will increase their competitiveness and improve their abilities to valorize agricultural waste within a circular economy model, and through the development of new and innovative products with high added value. EcoFertiS will Strengthen the capacity of all contributors to develop new business models and create a new generation of entrepreneurs. EcoFertiS will contribute to the implementation of UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. In particular, it will contribute to SDG#3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) which focus on reducing the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination