Objective
BioEcoSIM comprises R&D and demonstration of an integrated approach and business model that has wide EU27 applicability in the agriculture sector. The new European Bio-economy Strategy aims to increase the use of bio-based raw materials. Thus, large quantities of fertilisers will be required. Therefore, this project targets to produce sustainable soil improving products that can be easily handled, transported, and applied. BioEcoSIM will valorise livestock manure as an important example of valuable bio-waste into 1) pathogen-free, P-rich organic soil amendment (P-rich biochar), 2) slow releasing mineral fertilisers and 3) reclaimed water. By doing this, we will i) reduce negative environmental impacts (eutrophication of water bodies, and NH3 and N2O emissions) in intensive livestock regions, ii) help to decrease NH3 produced by the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, (iii) mitigate EU’s dependency on the depleting mineral sources for P-fertilisers, (iv) increase water efficiency use in agriculture and (v) support European Strategies and Directives, while generating economic benefits in the agriculture and bio-economy sector.
The project will combine three innovative technologies 1) superheated steam drying and non-catalytic pyrolysis to convert carbon in manure into P-rich biochar and syngas, 2) electrolytic precipitation of struvite and calcium phosphate and 3) selective separation and recovery of NH3 by gas-permeable membrane. Energy required in-process will be generated through combustion of syngas, thus reducing the pressure on finite fossil fuel. Water reclaimed from manure will be utilised for livestock production and/or irrigation. The sustainability of this approach will be validated against standards ISO14040 and ISO14044. Implementation of the R&D results will help fulfil the need for economically viable and environmentally benign practices in European agriculture to move towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologycivil engineeringwater engineeringirrigation
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicsbioeconomy
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsanimal husbandry
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-ENV-2012-two-stage
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Funding Scheme
CP - Collaborative project (generic)Coordinator
80686 Munchen
Germany
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Participants (15)
6708 PB Wageningen
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08940 Cornella De Llobregat Barcelona
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70599 Stuttgart
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34004 Palencia
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08225 Terrassa
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Participation ended
46115 BUKOWIE
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47463 VELASCALVARO VALLADOLID CASTILLA LEON
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7261PW RUURLO
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29590 MALAGA
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WV10 7DE Wolverhampton
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75417 Muhlacker
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74635 KUPFERZELL
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70499 STUTTGART WEILIMDORF
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27313 DORVERDEN HULSEN
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Participation ended
31785 HAMELN
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