The SPIN-FERT project is designed to address issues arising from the pressing need to increase soil health and to produce peat-free growing media
To achieve these goals, a consortium consisting of 19 partners representing 9 European countries, including six manufacturing companies and two professional advisory organisations, was created and is effectively developing various activities.
An innovative circular economy approach
A major effort in the project is dedicated to optimising and scaling up the production process of various bio-based and waste-derived fertiliser products, applying a circular economy approach. Therefore, wastes from the agro-industry are processed into composts of various compositions. They are then formulated into growing substrate specialities through the addition of specifically selected microbial strains and waste-derived artificial humic acids to improve their characteristics and applicability to different plants, particularly for the nursery and pot plant industry. Spent choir is also recycled and revitalised by mixing it with microbial inocula and thus reducing the amount of waste produced by advanced horticultural cropping systems (e.g. soilless).
All these innovative products (growing substrates, composts, microbial formulations and humic substances) are validated in field trials carried out in Italy, Poland and France, most of which were conducted on commercial farms and nurseries following a co-decision process with farmers. Moreover, the new products are integrated with agronomic soil management practices to promote their adoption by farmers.
Tools to support the correct application of these agronomical practices, to facilitate the registration of the innovative products for marketing, and to foster the development of agricultural policies have also been developed. Among them can be mentioned a portable device to track and monitor the occurrence of applied microorganisms, an automated robot for the assessment of soil biodiversity, and a Soil Holistic Quality Index that integrates physical, chemical and biological data with the support of AI.
The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus example
A specific innovative approach is applied to communication and dissemination activities. Besides common channels, SPIN-FERT exploits methods combining art and science as well as image-based tools, particularly aimed at the general public. For example, The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus is an art-science project that delves into the intricate relationship between soil and humans. Employing the sense of smell, it explores the soil and human memory, combining scientific, societal, cultural and personal perspectives.
Legal framework
To foster the adoption of peat-free growing substrates, a legal framework with specific standards, including the sensorial evaluation in combination with electronic nose analyses, is being developed, with the contribution of the interested stakeholders (e.g. substrate producers, nurseries and their associations). The barriers and drivers perceived by both professional and non-professional (i.e. gardeners) users are evaluated through a participatory approach.
The art-science approach of SPIN-FERT is expected to effectively raise awareness about the central role of soil health for the health and lives of humans and the planet.
