WP06 addresses perspectives for bio-effector applications to improve plant nutrient supply from fertilisers based on recycling products. The recycled waste products to be investigated comprise sewage sludge, solid fibre, fractions of separated animal slurry, biogas digestates, municipal household waste and incineration slags. These wastes are abundant in Europe and are currently not widely used as nutrient sources for agricultural production.
Research is focused on:
(i) Increased bioavailability and minimised losses of essential plant nutrients in organic wastes by additions of bio-effectors during storage or processing.
(ii) Increased fertiliser value of organic and mineral wastes added to agricultural soils by combination with bio-effectors and placed application close to the plant roots (link to WP07).
(iii) Increased survival and (root) colonisation of bio-effectors by using organic waste substrates for soil application.
(iv) Quantifying effects of bio-effectors in combination with organic wastes on native soil and soil-microbial nutrient pools.
