ReNu2Farm aims to increase recycling rates of the main plant nutrients, N, P and K, by focusing on the demand of farmers. A study carried out within ReNu2Farm in 2019 under the lead of researchers from NMI (NL) and CIT Cork (IRE) is now published online and in full length. The work was previously presented at several meetings and conferences (e.g. ManuResource 2019 and recently at the International Fertiliser Society Webinar) where it received great interest from stakeholders, in particular policy makers and producers of recycling-derived fertilisers. Read More
Within the ReNu2Farm project several project partners, have carried out trials to derive reliable information on agronomic value, nutriënt content and safety of recycling-derived fertilisers.
Protocols taking into consideration the specific nature and properties have been developed for all trials. To facilitate future research and practical consulting of farmers on the fertilising value of these novel products, the ReNu2Farm consortium decided to publish all used protocols so that they can serve as a reference in the future. Read More
The Civil Engineering Research in Ireland Conference (CERI2020) was held virtually on 27th-28th August 2020. Although originally intended to be held in CIT, due to the Coronavirus restrictions it moved entirely on-line. This national conference focused on promoting civil engineering research and practices in Ireland. The conference was available to academics, researchers and professional practitioners with over 130 papers presented in total. Read More
One of the main objectives of the Interreg NWE ReNu2Farm project is to develop a circular economy of recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs). This should be achieved in particular by increasing the efficiency of organic fertilisation and adapting it to each economic, agronomic and pedoclimatic situation. To this end, the French partner of the project, Arvalis Institut-du-Végétal, is currently working on perfecting one of its decision support tools: Fertiliser avec des produits organiques (translation in English: “Fertilize with organic products”). Read More
The ReNu2Farm partners at the Institute of Technology Carlow in Ireland have been conducting an evaluation of viable microorganisms in RDF. Although producing RDF from such materials involves steps creating conditions under which pathogenic organisms cannot survive, the products were examined to ensure their microbiological safety. Read More
ReNu2Farm wants to increase both the use of recycling-derived fertilisers by the end-users, the farmers, as well as the production of recycling-derived fertilisers by producers. Communicating on success stories in practice will help to reach that goal. Read More
ReNu2Farm and CIT will be represented at CERI2020 in late August. Originally this conference was to be held in Cork Institute of Technology, however, due to the Coronavirus restrictions, it will now be hosted as a virtual conference. The conference abstract has been accepted by the conference organisers and will be supported by a peer-reviewed paper on the farmers’ survey. Read More
Bottom ashes from wood firings are from 100 % organic and natural sources if fresh wood is used. The ashes are rich on nutrients such as potassium, lime, phosphorous, sodium and therefore might be perfect suitable as fertiliser for private gardens or as additive to enhance private biowaste and greenery composts. Read More
With the ReNu2Farm project we aim to increase the use of recycling-derived fertilisers such as composts, mineral concentrates, ashes and struvite. For farmers, the agronomic value of a fertiliser is crucial. Agronomic value comprises several aspects: nutrient value (How plant available are the nutrients contained in the novel fertilisers?), lime value as well as the organic matter value. Also, farmers need to be sure that the fertiliser product is safe and does not contain pollutants such as heavy metals or pathogens. Read More
Livestock intensification and consequently, manure production and management in Northwest Europe has resulted in severe environmental impacts. To counter these impacts, development and optimisation of nutrient recovery technologies are on the rise. The production of biodegradable pots made from cattle manure is a technology that allows effective utilisation of animal manure in the cultivation of garden crops. This technology can help in curbing the existing use of plastic pots, paving way into a sustainable use of resources and waste management. Read More
