ReKorD

An innovative aspect of the project is the newly developed organo-mineral fertilisers and the associated production technology, which are regarded as key criteria. These innovations promise significant improvements across the entire food production sector, which depends directly or indirectly on plant fertilisation. Furthermore, changes will occur in the upstream sector of the fertiliser industry and fertiliser trade, as well as in the downstream sector of waste utilisation.

A pioneering aspect is the high degree of globalisation of value chains in primary agricultural production. The project therefore aims to establish decentralised nutrient recycling in nutrient-rich regions, with the objective of transferring nutrients to areas in need of them. This significantly strengthens agriculture within the single market and increases the potential for value creation for farmers. By improving these structures, the project can indirectly counteract the decline in farm numbers and promote more sustainable agriculture.

The project aims to close supra-regional nutrient cycles more efficiently through the use of organic manure from livestock farming and crop production. In Bavaria, there are significant differences between regions with large livestock populations and surpluses of organic manure, and arable farming regions that require mineral fertilisers.

The aim is to bind livestock manure into pellets with added ingredients and to preserve them long-term without the use of drying energy. Using innovative technology, natural components are being developed into a moisture-stable granulate designed to improve the soil quality of arable land. In addition, a methodology for measuring nutrient content is being developed, which will enable the fertiliser to be scaled up and strengthen regional value creation. The project promotes the sustainable use of waste materials and supports the independence of the German domestic market.

Environmentally friendly and resource-efficient technologies: The innovative pelletising machines for industrial wool scraps enable the production of functionally enhanced fertiliser pellets, which can adsorb further nutrients from slurry and are easy to transport once air-dried. This promotes decarbonisation, as less nitrogen fertiliser is required – a product manufactured using fossil fuels via the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Furthermore, there is an overall reduction in the need to transport fertiliser and raw materials from third countries. This simultaneously represents a biotechnological solution for climate protection and energy. Overall, this enables continuous nutrient recycling, which contributes to the circular economy, thereby conserving resources.