Within CA a ground-breaking new approach (hyperspectral imagery) has been used for ultra-high resolution (~60 μm per pixel) assessment of various soil chemical properties in an undisturbed state, without mixing, enabling a more sensitive analysis of change in the soil profile. This has strongly increased the understanding of soil amendments in relation to carbon sequestration. CA has developed a novel approach of combining an application of organic fertilizer after seeding (of maize, between rows) with nitrification inhibitors. This combination has allowed for a cost-effective adjustment of nutrient availability and plant demand. The microfiltered digestate for fertigation (MDF) has been tested as a promising prototype for direct use of liquid digestate for fertigation with drip irrigation lines increasing the nutrient use efficiency, reducing emissions and minimizing water consumption. MDF has lower energy demand, lower cost than membrane filtration. A new solar drying system to produce bio-based fertilizers has been developed. For intensive dairy farming, CA has promoted the use of precision feeding systems in dairy cows to adjust nutrients to animal requirements and therefore reduce N excretion in the manure and GHG emission by improving their feed efficiency. Additionally, as a part of CA’s research approach, isolation of potential bacteriophages to control the amount high-ammonia producing bacteria in dairy cows rumen has been investigated. For extensive dairy farms, CA focus on the physiology of the cows and comparing different feeding strategies via the respiration chamber has brought the possibility to combine not only feeding with nutrient cycles, but also with GHG gases and emissions, studying the whole nutrient flow. Whey has been separated at the innovative electrospun nanofibrous membranes in comparison with recently used technologies (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) with further concentrate treatment (polishing, drying) for food industry of sweet and acid whey. Acid whey products will be no longer wasted but reused in livestock and crop farming. We have developed a novel N-recovery technology, which can be integrated into existing biogas plants via side-stream treatment. Vacuum degasification can handle mixed phases (solids + liquids; no filtration or other excessive pre-treatment required), does not require extra heat and thus is more economic compared to stripping. A novel treatment by usage of commodity enzymes has been used to stimulate phosphate release from phytic acid is developed. The process is flexible adjustable for waste and wastewater treatment of soybean processing factory.
The project has a direct impact at Political/legal, environmental, social, technological and economic level. CA has contributed to the development of effective joined up policy making by providing clear evidence-based policy recommendations that will support policy makers to identify policy barriers to closing nutrient loops. In addition, the project has provided fresh input to CAP improvement debates as our leading-edge research has fostered new thinking in policy making e.g. on the perception of the important role of carbon in agriculture as well as on risk vs. chances debates related to the use of bio-based residues. CA has developed affordable technical solutions which fit within the current structures of European agriculture, minimising the economic pressure on producers within the European agricultural sector so that food production costs remain stable. The social analysis within WP4 has led to develop non-technical measures such as policy actions, towards more sufficiency in agriculture, food consumption and waste management.
