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Carboxilic Acid Platform (CAP) as starting point for a bio-based fertilizer
The current fertilizers are made using exhaustible resources, which have a negative impact on our climate.
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For example, phosphor and nitrogen are extracted from fossil raw materials or by using a big amount of energy derived from fossil fuels. These raw materials are becoming more and more scarce, highlighting the need for new, renewable resources.
The Carboxylic Acid Platform (CAP) is a green, biological technology which allows the production of a complex solution. Multiple natural bacteria, found on the agricultural waste, break down the organic matter into nutrients and short carbon chains. Second, these short carbon chains are elongated to longer, more energy rich molecules. To sum up: the CAP recycles organic, agricultural waste into a nutrient and energy rich solution.
The CAP solution can be used by Avecom as feed source to produce microbial proteins. These microbial proteins are a very nutritious bioavailable nitrogen source for the agricultural crops. They are easily taken up and stimulate growth and increase yield. CAP solution is also rich in micronutrients such as magnesium, calcium, etc. The Paint group from the Ghent University can separate these micronutrients using a specialized membrane technology called electrodialysis. These nutrients can be added to the bio-based fertilizer to support the growth of the crops and make nutrient-rich soils.
After harvesting, the newly produced agricultural waste can again be converted into a CAP solution, which in turn is again converted into a bio-based fertilizer available for the next harvest.
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RUSTICA project, a successful beginning
Tessa Avermaete and Margo Heremans are responsible for the project management of RUSTICA project. Tessa holds a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences and is an expert in managing European consortia at the division of bioeconomics. Margo is an experienced project manager and communication professional, holding a master’s in applied economic sciences.
RUSTICA, un proyecto que le apuesta al uso de fertilizantes de base biológica para una agricultura circular
Esta iniciativa ofrecerá soluciones tecnológicas para convertir los residuos agroalimentarios en novedosos fertilizantes orgánicos de alta calidad, que respondan a las necesidades de la agricultura moderna.
It’s Earth Day, time to introduce this new exciting project!
This day is about empowering and expanding the environmental movement. As the health and wellbeing of every human being are closely interlinked with the health of our planet, fighting climate change requires persistent action on many levels. We, at RUSTICA Project, are doing our part to contribute to the fight against climate change and the health of our environment. So should you! Let’s work together to give the future generation a clean and healthy future.