DIGICOMPOST Operational Group: Development of digital platforms that enable traceability, quality monitoring, odors, and emissions generated throughout the composting value chain.
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2024 -2027
- Assigned Budget 150.000,00 €
- Scope Autonómico
- Autonomous community Aragón
The DIGICOMPOST project focuses on the digitalization of the composting process to optimize the recovery of byproducts and waste from the agricultural and livestock sector, represented by UAGA as the producing sector.
This integrated approach allows for detailed monitoring and traceability of organic resources, efficiently transforming them into high-quality compost. RBC and DEF are the processors and distributors. By valorizing these materials through composting, both RBC and DEF seek to transform these nutrient-rich organic resources into a product that they will subsequently distribute within the agricultural and livestock sector.
Digitalization can improve compost quality, reducing dependence on external inputs and promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability for agricultural and livestock farms. Furthermore, improved natural resource management contributes to soil and biodiversity conservation, vital elements for long-term sustainability.
This project also promotes the adoption of greener practices by integrating digital technologies, facilitating the transition to precision agriculture and the circular economy, closing the nutrient loop and minimizing waste generation.
Finally, assessing odors and emissions during composting helps mitigate environmental impacts, improve process efficiency, and comply with environmental regulations, which strengthens the social and environmental acceptance of these practices.
The project structures its actions into 4 strategic Work Packages (WPs):
- PT1: Traceability and quality monitoring for compost production: T1.1 Current status of raw material traceability from source (farm, etc.) to sale (manager)/field application (end use). T1.2 Design and implementation of a traceability and monitoring tool for the production of different types of compost. T1.3 Testing in composting plants and farms. T1.4 Tool optimization and the associated benefits dossier.
- PT2: Odor and Emission Monitoring in Composting Plants and Farms: T2.1 Identification of suitable sensors for capturing emissions and odors (CO2, CH4, VOCs, etc.). T2.2 Odor study and predictive models for "odor plumes". T2.3: Probe development, software programming, and geographic odor dispersion model. T2.4: Testing in composting plants and farms, and field application of compost. T2.5: Optimization of probes and odor monitoring tool and geographic prediction model.
- PT3: Knowledge Exchange: T3.1: Workshops to present the developed traceability and quality monitoring tool. T3.2: Workshops to present the odor and emissions monitoring tool in composting plants and farms. T3.3: Replicability of the traceability and quality monitoring tool for other agro-industries and Replicability of the odor and emissions monitoring tool for other industries.
- PT4: Dissemination and communication: T 4.1: Project days and participation in events. T 4.2: Dissemination in the region. T 4.3: Digital media and social networks. and Generate materials.
By digitizing and optimizing compost production, this project seeks to increase the efficiency of agricultural and livestock farms by providing a higher-quality organic soil amendment, which can result in increased productivity and long-term profitability. Furthermore, the installation of probes to assess odor and gas emissions not only helps ensure a more controlled and efficient composting process but also contributes to reducing the environmental impact of these activities, which aligns with the project's environmental sustainability goals.
By monitoring the composting process, organic resources such as manure and biomass are managed more efficiently, transforming them into beneficial soil amendments. This practice reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, thereby reducing the energy and resource use associated with their production and application. Furthermore, by improving soil quality and biodiversity, it promotes more sustainable water management and minimizes soil erosion, contributing to the conservation of natural resources on these farms.
Incorporating monitoring technologies to evaluate the composting process and associated emissions not only improves operational efficiency but also provides valuable data for continually improving production practices. These continuous improvements will lead to lower production costs and higher-quality products, enabling efficient and competitive economic activity.
Furthermore, by adopting green practices such as composting and reducing emissions, the project contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economic activity. The digital transformation of agro-industrial operations not only makes them more efficient but also positions them in the context of the digital economy, preparing them to compete in an increasingly digitalized and technologically advanced market. This project will contribute to the digital transformation of farms toward a more efficient and green economic model.
The objective of the DIGICOMPOST project is to digitalize the composting process to optimize the recovery of byproducts and waste from the agricultural and livestock sectors through detailed monitoring and traceability of organic resources, efficiently transforming them into high-quality compost.
Finally, assessing odors and emissions during composting helps mitigate environmental impacts, improve process efficiency, and comply with environmental regulations, which strengthens the social and environmental acceptance of these practices.
- Coordinator/entity name: CIRCE Technology Centre
- Postal address: Avenida Ranillas 3D 50018 Zaragoza (SPAIN)
- Coordinator/entity email: dmer@fcirce.es | jmarano@fcirce.es
- Telephone: 9769768591|639464145
One of the objectives is to ensure proper management for the protection of natural heritage in sensitive areas such as the Cinca River, which is already experiencing nitrate levels above established limits. To achieve this, the goal is to improve compost quality through digital monitoring of the composting process. This involves using technology to monitor and control the decomposition process of organic matter, allowing for optimized conditions and the production of better-quality compost.
By improving the quality of compost, the risk of contamination by nitrates or other harmful chemicals is reduced, which in turn lessens the environmental impact on protected areas due to agricultural practices. Furthermore, improving compost will also improve the properties of agricultural soil, allowing for greater nutrient retention and, therefore, lower emissions of pollutants through leachate.
Improvements in compost management through this project can directly contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with less efficient composting practices. Furthermore, more efficient use of natural resources and reduced chemical inputs help adapt agricultural practices to changing climate conditions. Furthermore, analysis of relevant regulations will ensure that the practices adopted comply with established environmental and legal standards.
By evaluating composting economically using this approach, both the economic and environmental benefits of implementing more sustainable practices on farms can be identified.
Finally, monitoring odors and emissions at composting plants and farms will identify areas for improvement in production processes and reduce adverse impacts on the environment and public health, thus facilitating more effective adaptation to climate change.
- CIRCE Technology Centre
- RECICLAJES DEL BAJO CINCA, S.L.(sarara@reciclajesdelbajocinca.com)
- DEFEDER ALCOLEA SL(j.monter@defeder.es j.claver@defeder.es)
- UAGA (aelorriaga@uaga-aragon.com)
- CIRCE Technology Centre
Related projects
