Activities
To achieve the objectives defined, Ash4Soil will carry out the following activities:
Activity 1
Formulation and development of the Ash4Soil product
The physicochemical characterisation of ashes from forest biomass as a potential liming agent, as well as of cattle, pig slurry, and poultry litter as potential fertilizers, will be carried out. The results of these characterisations will allow the development of the amendment product formulation, composed of different mixtures of the various components.
Activity 2
Evaluation of the Ash4Soil product in experimental agricultural and forest crops
An initial evaluation of the mixtures formulated in the previous activity will be carried out in a greenhouse, followed by laboratory analysis of soil samples and crops obtained, to determine the three mixtures with the best performance, one for each type of agro-livestock residue. These will then be evaluated under agricultural field conditions (cherry, wheat, and mixed pasture) and forest field conditions (broadleaves and conifers).
Activity 3
Assessment of the Ash4Soil product by end users
This activity consists of three different sections:
- Economic study: evaluation of the current situation and the future situation based on cost savings provided by the reduction in the volume of waste to be managed in landfills (ashes) and the reduction in the use of conventional amendment products and fertilizers.
- Environmental study: the environmental sustainability and carbon footprint of the formulated amendment products will be analysed for each crop and hectare, compared to the traditional amendment.
- Social study: conducting interviews and surveys with farmers, whose data will be discussed and evaluated in focus groups and technical workshops.
Activity 4
Validation of the Ash4Soil product in real agricultural and forest crops
The results obtained from the use of the amendment-fertilizer product will be validated in real crops through focus groups composed of stakeholders from the agricultural and forestry value chains, including the relevant authorities.
Activity 5
Preparation of the new product for commercialization
A legislative study will be carried out to create a protocol for registration in accordance with European, Spanish, and regional regulations, with the aim of enabling the use and commercialization of the Ash4Soil product.
Activity 6
Dissemination and transfer of results throughout the project
The dissemination plan will be divided into two sections:
1) Communication and dissemination: This will involve the creation of materials and content, as well as the organisation of activities for presenting the project, and the sharing and promotion of its progress with a more general focus, targeting both the key sectors and consumers, as well as the general public.
2) Engagement activities and result transfer: Materials will be created and activities will be carried out specifically aimed at promoting the implementation of the innovative solutions developed during the project’s execution within the sector.
