BIOCHARGE Operational Group: Circular innovation based on biochar and microalgae to improve agricultural efficiency and climate resilience

R1-O1 (R1): Development and field validation of a self-production biochar model adapted to the conditions of agricultural holdings. First, the selection and characterization of agricultural waste generated on the pilot farms (pruning waste, husks, woody debris, etc.) will be carried out to assess its suitability as raw material for biochar production, considering parameters such as moisture content, size uniformity, lignin content, and seasonal availability (Act 1. R1). Subsequently, the most suitable pyrolysis system, compatible with the type of waste and the scale of the farm, will be selected and installed, adapting it to the actual working conditions on the pilot farms (Act 2. R1). Next, the pyrolysis process will be parameterized, defining optimal operating conditions such as temperature, residence time, and atmosphere (Act 3. R1). Finally, a technical protocol for the production and maintenance of the pyrolysis system for use in an agricultural environment will be developed (Act 4. R1).

R2-O1 (R2): Development and field validation of a self-production model for microalgae biostimulants adapted to the conditions of agricultural holdings. First, photobioreactors will be installed and adjusted on the pilot farms, adapting them to the specific conditions of each farm and ensuring their correct operation using the necessary accessories (Act 1. R2). Subsequently, the system will be integrated with the irrigation operation, connecting the photobioreactors to existing irrigation systems manually or automatically (Act 2. R2). Next, freshwater microalgae species will be selected, evaluating their capacity for activating and improving biochar (Act 3. R2). Mixture optimization and analysis of their interaction with other biostimulants or fertilizers applied to the crop will also be carried out (Act 4. R2). Finally, an operation and maintenance protocol for the photobioreactor will be defined to guarantee stable microalgae production (Act 5. R2).

R3-O1 (R3): Obtaining an activated bio-input (biochar + microalgae) with enhanced properties to increase soil fertility, nutrient efficiency, and water retention, as well as evaluating its potential for the recovery of degraded soils. First, the optimal biochar activation protocol with microalgae will be defined, evaluating different times and methods for incorporating the microalgae, both during the biochar cooling process and after complete cooling (Act 1. R3). Comparative trials will be conducted to identify the most effective technique in terms of stability, absorption capacity, and agronomic functionality of the resulting bio-input. Subsequently, the physicochemical characterization of the activated biochar will be carried out through laboratory analyses that will evaluate parameters such as cation exchange capacity, porosity, carbon content, available nutrients, and stability, with the aim of determining its agronomic quality as a regenerative input (Act 2. R3).

R1-O2 (R4): Evaluation of the improvement in fertilization plan efficiency, soil quality, and water use through the application of an activated bio-input (biochar + microalgae). First, the activated bio-input will be applied in pilot plots, following an agronomic protocol that includes different doses and a control plot to allow for comparison of results (Act 1. R4). Subsequently, the monitoring of soil physicochemical and biological indicators will be carried out, analyzing parameters such as electrical conductivity, nutrients (N, P, K), organic matter, water retention capacity, and soil microbiome (Act 2. R4). Water use efficiency will also be evaluated by measuring soil moisture and the volume of irrigation applied to calculate water efficiency indicators (Act 3. R4). In addition, the agronomic performance of the crops will be monitored to relate soil improvements to productivity (Act 4. R4). Finally, an economic impact analysis will be carried out to assess the feasibility and return on investment of the solution (Act 5. R4).

R1-O3 (R5): Implementation of a decision support system and agronomic and environmental monitoring services. A network of soil sensors will be developed capable of measuring parameters such as moisture, pH, temperature, conductivity, and nutrients (N, P, K), also integrating water consumption meters or tensiometers. The devices will operate with low energy consumption and connectivity, integrated into an Edge-Cloud architecture for continuous data acquisition and preprocessing (Act 1. R5). Subsequently, a cloud platform will be implemented for data storage, management, and visualization using ETL processes, enabling the analysis of real-time and historical information and incorporating multispectral images to assess crop health (Act 2. R5). In addition, a service layer will be developed that integrates sensor, meteorological, and remote sensing data, generating agronomic indices and thematic maps to feed the decision support system (Act 3. R5). Recommendation algorithms will be designed to optimize the use of water and bio-inputs and anticipate crop needs (Act 4. R5).

R2-O3 (R6): Development of a user-friendly agronomic platform with voice-guided decision support. This result develops a digital tool that facilitates simple, data-driven agronomic decision-making. As an innovative feature, it incorporates voice interaction, allowing users to ask questions and receive recommendations without requiring advanced digital skills. This enables users to easily access useful information to optimize the management of water, nutrients, and inputs, improving the efficiency and sustainability of the farm.

R1-O4 (R7): Estimation of the potential for generating carbon credits through on-farm biochar application and definition of an initial proposal for its valorization in voluntary markets. This result analyzes the capacity of biochar produced from agricultural waste to act as a carbon sink when applied to the soil. The study will allow for estimating the amount of carbon that can be captured and stored through the use of biochar produced on the farm itself. The work includes a review of the technical and regulatory framework of carbon markets and the development of a preliminary methodology to calculate the potential carbon credits associated with its application. The objective is to assess the potential for generating additional income for farmers through their participation in voluntary carbon markets, generating carbon estimation reports, and enabling an economic feasibility study.

RD1: Project Launch. This first phase aims to raise the profile of the project and the innovation developed in the field of woody crops at a national level. Several actions will be carried out to achieve this. First, a Communication Plan will be developed, defining the dissemination strategy, channels, key messages, target audiences, responsibilities, and action plan, ensuring consistent communication aligned with the project's objectives (Act 1. RD1). The Corporate Identity will also be designed, establishing the project's visual and conceptual elements (logo, colors, typography, and graphic style) to guarantee a recognizable and professional image (Act 2. RD1). A Launch Day will also be organized to officially present the project's start and objectives to the sector (Act 3. RD1). Finally, a launch press release will be prepared and distributed to media outlets to increase its visibility and reach (Act 4. RD1).

RD2: Positioning and Dissemination. This outcome will be developed throughout the project's execution with the aim of increasing its visibility and positioning within the woody crop sector. To this end, various communication actions will be implemented. First, a project website will be created to serve as the central platform for presenting objectives, progress, activities, and results (Act 1. RD2). Additionally, social media profiles will be developed to maintain direct and dynamic communication with the project's various audiences (Act 2. RD2). Specific content will be created for the website and social media, ensuring constant updates and promoting digital positioning (Act 3. RD2). Furthermore, promotional videos will be produced to visually communicate the project's progress and benefits (Act 4. RD2). Participation in industry events and media outreach will also be encouraged to broaden its reach (Acts 5 and 6. RD2). Finally, promotional materials will be designed to support the communication activities (Act 7. RD2).

RD3: Exploitation of Results. To exploit and transfer the project's results, several dissemination and demonstration activities will be carried out. First, two field demonstration days will be organized, one in each autonomous community where the project pilots are located. These days will be held starting in the second year, once preliminary results are available, and will be scheduled during periods of lower agricultural activity to facilitate sector participation (Act 1. RD3). The results will also be disseminated in specialized regional and national media to ensure their reach within the agricultural sector (Act 2. RD3). Press releases will also be prepared throughout the project, including at least two additional ones beyond the initial release, to communicate progress and maintain the initiative's visibility (Act 3. RD3). Finally, a final project video will be produced summarizing the main results and achievements attained during its implementation (Act 4. RD3).