FERTINITRO Operational Group: Innovation in controlled-release biofertilizers using additives of circular origin and validation in nitrate-vulnerable areas
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2025 -2028
- Assigned Budget 150.000,00 €
- Scope Autonómico
- Autonomous community Aragón
- Main source of financing CAP 2023-2027
The overall outcome of the project is to create a formula for manufacturing pellets based on animal by-products (ABP) and lignosulfonate, with the potential for commercial production, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the local rural community. The pellets are expected to outperform traditional chemical fertilizers in terms of nutrient availability over time, as well as in reducing nutrient leaching. A method for synthesizing lignosulfonate will be developed to enable its local production. Field trials are expected to demonstrate that the biofertilizer meets crop requirements and offers performance equal to or better than traditional fertilizers, resulting in savings for farmers. Events organized to disseminate the trial results will stimulate interest in the biofertilizer, thus opening a viable market for the local region, with the potential to replicate the model in other regions.
- PT1. Development and laboratory validation. The physicochemical, agronomic, and environmental properties of the biofertilizer will be defined, as well as its composition, particle size, and release rate. The production of lignosulfonate from residual biomass will be optimized through lignin sulfonation, and its quality will be evaluated against commercial products. Subsequently, the pelleting process will be developed using animal by-products (ABP), adjusting size, drying, and cooling to ensure compatibility with fertilizer spreaders. The product will be tested in a growth chamber under different scenarios (rain, water stress, and heat stress) to analyze nutrient retention and availability.
- PT2. Field trials. Agronomic performance will be evaluated against conventional fertilizers, as well as the crop's nutritional status (chlorophyll/N), soil retention, and leaching reduction. Soil quality will be analyzed before and after application, along with environmental (LCA), social, and economic viability, including a market study and business model.
- PT3. Knowledge exchange. Technical workshops on agronomic, environmental and economic impact, and assessment of the potential for replication in other areas.
- PT4. Communication. Conferences, regional dissemination, digital media and informational materials to transfer results and promote the adoption of biofertilizer.
The project will innovate by improving pelleting processes to produce more efficient and sustainable controlled-release fertilizers, subsequently evaluating their impact in the field. Soil degradation in Spain, associated with the intensive use of mineral fertilizers and water overexploitation, has reduced fertility, microbial biodiversity, and water retention capacity. Furthermore, nitrate leaching poses a serious environmental problem, especially in areas like the Ebro basin, where high levels of pollution exist.
Although organic fertilizers offer advantages over mineral fertilizers, those formulated with flours release nutrients rapidly, increasing the risk of leaching and reducing agronomic efficiency. Furthermore, compaction problems during pelleting can result in brittle or excessively hard pellets, affecting their handling and nutrient release.
To address these limitations, the project will optimize the formulation by using lignosulfonate as an additive, improving homogeneity, strength, and gradual nutrient release. Subsequently, field studies will be conducted to evaluate agronomic performance, soil quality, leaching reduction, and environmental, social, and economic impacts. The project will be carried out in accordance with current regulations on fertilizers and sustainability.
The project develops a pelleted biofertilizer based on SANDACH by-products and lignosulfonate, which allows a slow release of nutrients and has chelating properties, improving the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural holdings.
The characteristics of the biofertilizer optimize plant nutrition, reduce nitrate leaching and dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve the availability of micronutrients and promote efficient soil and water management, driving more sustainable and resilient agriculture.
- Entity name: CIRCE Technology Centre
- Postal address: Avenida Ranillas 3D 50018 Zaragoza
- Email:focus@fcirce.es; pgazzola@fcirce.es
- Telephone: 976976859
- Entity name: DEFEDER ALCOLEA, SL
- Postal address: Polígono Industrial La Armentera, Calle A, Parcela 28, 22400, Monzón, Huesca
- Email: info@defeder.es
- Telephone: 974468111
- Entity name: Aragon Agricultural Machinery Cluster Association
- Postal address: Calle Santander, 36, 2nd floor, 50010, Zaragoza
- Email: campag@campag.es
- Telephone: 976766063
- Name of entity: San Miguel Agricultural Cooperative Society
- Postal address: Carretera N-232, Km 209, 50740, Fuentes de Ebro, Zaragoza
- Email: coop@sanmiguelfuentes.com
- Telephone: 976120111
- Entity name: Ebro River Basin Authority
- Postal address: Paseo Sagasta 24-26, 50071, Zaragoza
- Email: informacionciudadana@chebro.es
- Telephone: 97611000
- CIRCE Centro Tecnológico
- DEFEDER ALCOLEA, S.L.
- Asociación cluester de la maquinaria agrícola de Aragón
- Sociedad Cooperativa Agraria San Miguel
- Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro