SOILCOMPOST AP Working Group: Precision organic fertilization for sustainable soil management

The aim is to improve soil health, optimize nutrient use and reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers, through a sustainable and digitized fertilization model.

Work Package 1 (WP1) focuses on the comprehensive management and coordination of the project. Under CLERIS's leadership, it is responsible for organizing and overseeing collaboration among partners through regular progress meetings, where progress is assessed, potential deviations are identified, and corrective measures are established. It also includes the preparation of internal documentation to ensure the traceability of decisions made. In parallel, it encompasses the preparation and submission of technical and financial reports required by the administration, along with the compilation of supporting documentation and ongoing budget monitoring, ensuring compliance with established requirements.

Work Package 2 (WP2) focuses on the design and development of a prototype fertilizer spreader, integrating functional, structural, and technological criteria in accordance with the characteristics of compost and the requirements of precision agriculture. Led by CLERIS and CIRCE, it includes defining the preliminary technical design, selecting and integrating key components for digitalization and variable rate application control (weighing sensors, GPS systems, section control, and ISOBUS), and assembling the complete system. This process concludes with initial testing in a controlled environment to validate the prototype's operability and ensure the correct functioning of its subsystems.

Work package 3 (WP3) focuses on the agronomic evaluation of compost and its technical validation for agricultural use. This includes the selection of materials with different physicochemical properties, detailed analysis of key parameters such as dry matter, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, particle size distribution, bulk density, and moisture content, as well as controlled experiments to evaluate its performance under various stress conditions. It also encompasses field validation through nitrogen measurements in plants and soil, along with modeling of nitrogen dynamics and crop uptake efficiency.

Work package 4 (WP4) addresses the implementation and operational validation of the system under real-world conditions by applying compost in pilot fields, using zone-specific dosages based on prescription maps. It includes continuous monitoring of key technical parameters, such as applied doses, spatial variability of fertilization, and crop response, to assess the process's efficiency. Furthermore, it comprises a comprehensive evaluation of agronomic and environmental impacts, focusing on improving soil organic matter, optimizing nitrogen use efficiency, and reducing the risks associated with diffuse pollution.

Work package 5 (WP5) focuses on communicating, disseminating, and transferring the project results to relevant stakeholders. This includes designing and implementing a communication strategy tailored to farmers, technicians, associations, and public authorities, as well as ongoing dissemination through specialized media, social networks, and technology transfer platforms. It also encompasses organizing events, technical workshops, and practical demonstrations to validate the prototype, facilitate knowledge sharing, and foster interaction with industry experts.