Demonstration of circular biofertilisers and implementation of optimized fertiliser strategies and value chains in rural communities

Project Information

RUSTICA

Grant agreement ID: 101000527

DOI

10.3030/101000527

Project closed

EC signature date 18 September 2020

Start date 1 January 2021

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 8 637 858,75

EU contribution

€ 7 672 757,25

Coordinated by

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - RUSTICA (Demonstration of circular biofertilisers and implementation of optimized fertiliser strategies and value chains in rural communities)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The RUSTICA project provides a technical solution to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel high-quality tailor-made bio-based fertilisers that address the needs of modern agriculture. The project’s ambition went beyond the simple recovery of nutrients, and included the development of economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers with the same or improved agronomic value. The technical solution consisted of 5 conversion processes which were combined depending on the available waste streams, and integrated with established technologies such as composting. Synergies between the individual conversion processes were sought and optimised to maximise economic, environmental and agronomic benefits. The fertiliser building blocks were combined into custom fertiliser blends tailored to specific crops or farming methods so that precision similar to chemical fertilisers is offered. Parallel with this technological innovation, a multi-actor approach was adopted which guaranteed the implementation potential of the technologies in the agro-food chain, and guided the development of business models. Non-technical aspects such as environmental and social life cycle analysis, legal framework, and expected market developments were evaluated in each region. Stakeholder involvement at each step guaranteed the development of marketable end products, with a high replication potential.
Promising results in terms of agronomic, environmental and economic benefits were shown. Initial findings suggest that the fertiliser blends often provide similar performance compared to reference fertilisers. However, further long-term studies are needed to fully understand their agronomic and environmental benefits, particularly on soil health. Economically, the RUSTICA bio-based fertilisers are not yet as cost-effective as chemical or some organic fertilisers. Though, the production costs might decrease with larger-scale production. While further research is needed, the long-term impacts could include enhanced soil quality, reduced environmental harm from fertiliser use, and greater resource efficiency in agriculture—ultimately fostering more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The 5 RUSTICA technologies were developed and experimental testings were performed. Selected feedstocks were studied for their suitability. Through lab and pilot tests, the agronomic performance of the fertiliser building blocks and blends were optimised. This required customisation to specific crops, farming practices and regional conditions.
A multi-actor approach was set up. For each of the 5 regions, regional workshops with external stakeholders were organised with 6 month intervals. An online toolbox including participatory tools, specific guidelines and templates to organise and monitor the regional workshops was created. The consortium also organised two European and international workshops. Benefits and risks of the RUSTICA technologies were evaluated against the market conditions in the 5 regions. The results of this analysis were summarised in business case fact sheets and market analysis reports providing an insight in the current state-of-the-art in by-product availability, waste treatment methods, agricultural practices and fertiliser use. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the EU legislative framework was carried out, focused on the variety of feedstocks, the spectrum of processing methods, requirements of products addressing CE marked fertilisers and those for organic production. Finally, environmental and economic analyses of RUSTICA bio-based fertilisers were carried out. Future scenarios were explored through regional and global workshops. Four alternative scenarios for the development of bio-based fertilisers were defined considering the main drivers and their priorities and interconnections. To maximise the impact of circular bio-based fertiliser innovations, a robust IPR and exploitation strategy was implemented. An IP management plan and a living IP portfolio were created and regularly updated to map ownership, background contributions, KERs development and strategies, including protection strategies. Sixteen KERs were identified and qualified, covering the conversion processes and custom fertiliser formulations. Four partners are pursuing exploitation through patents, consultancy, and licensing agreements, with expected time-to-market ranging from 1 to 4 years. Joint ownership and access rights were carefully addressed, supported by the GA, CA and IP Management Plan, ensuring fair and legal exploitation pathways. Other exploitation routes include further research, field demonstrations, and licensing of know-how. The gained expertise will allow to use, disseminate and exploit knowledge and KERs in future EU-funded initiatives. Partners valorise their knowledge on circular business models via publications and collaborations. Six scientific publications have been published, one more is under review and at least one other will be submitted before summer.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

To support agricultural residue management and the circular bio-economy, RUSTICA had the ambition to turn underused organic materials into bio-based fertilisers. The project employed five conversion processes to develop valuable fertiliser building blocks and blends. To demonstrate feasibility, the agronomic, economic and environmental performance of a cascade process was assessed, facilitating the introduction of new bio-based fertiliser production value chains to the market. Through a multi-actor approach RUSTICA has significantly advanced technical and socio-economic knowledge beyond the state-of-the-art.
The project provided a solution for developing bio-based fertilisers sourced from locally available waste streams, delivering promising results in terms of agronomic, economic and environmental benefits. The project’ innovation potential lies in the development of a technology combination for sustainably converting fruit and vegetable waste streams into bio-based fertiliser building blocks, which were blended to match fertilisation needs. A viable alternative to chemical fertilisers is provided, capable of addressing a diverse residues and meeting fertiliser requirements influenced by seasonal variability, farming practices and crop specific needs.
By reusing waste streams, the bio-based fertiliser blends contribute to improved waste management and regional nutrient recycling, reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers while improving local nutrient management. The project has the potential to transform fertiliser production by offering a more sustainable, circular alternative to mineral fertilisers. While further research is needed, the long-term impacts could include improved soil quality, reduced environmental harm from fertiliser use, and greater resource efficiency in agriculture.
RUSTICA technologies advance organic waste management and nutrient circularity. They can be integrated with other approaches within biomass hubs or waste treatment systems, enabling the production of sustainable products. By closing regional nutrient loops and reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers, RUSTICA supports both environmental sustainability and local economic development. This broader, integrated approach holds the potential to strengthen agricultural systems for long-term resilience and sustainability.

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