DESCRIPTION

General objective of the project: to verify how the distribution of compost and quality digestate has a positive influence on crop development and soil characteristics. Specific objectives: a) map the plants that produce quality compost and digestate, b) verify the positive effects on crop production, soil composition and the development of the microbial component c) evaluate how organic matrices influence the qualitative aspects of wine , kiwi and some horticultural industrial species.

ACTIVITIES

In farms in Ferrara and Castelbolognese, tests will be set up where compost and digestate will be distributed in order to evaluate the effect on plants, soil and water. Repeated distributions of the 2 products will be performed, possibly checking for different doses. Chemical analyzes of the soil in the same way as microbiological analyzes will have to provide evaluation elements on the efficiency of the 2 products. Qualitative analyzes will provide an additional element of evaluation.

MAIN RESULTS

The first expected result of the plan is to collect useful elements to promote the distribution of compost and digestate to favor the increase of organic matter in the soil.
Thus it is believed that:
• be able to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere,
• reduce the need for mineral fertilizers,
• improve the absorption capacity of the plant,
• reduce the phenomena of fatigue in the soil,
• activate the microbial component of the soil
• improve the quality of productions
•ensure the possibility of cultivating with good results also in the future, reducing the problems associated with too tight rotations.
A second result of the plan will be a list of digesters and composting centers currently present in the Emilia-Romagna area so that farmers can evaluate the distances and collect the product in the nearest location, also having the documentation referring to the qualitative aspects of such organic matrices
Results of a purely applicative nature are expected from field distribution tests both on industrial horticultural crops and on fruit trees and vines:
a) indication of the most effective matrix to ensure regular crop growth,
b) demonstration of the synergistic effect of compost combined with biochar on vine plants
c) attestation of the physical quality of the compost and digestate which must not leave glass or plastic residues in the field.