The CH4R project - use of enriched biochar in horticulture and biogas and biomethane production for the circular use of agricultural residues as soil improvers and bio-based fertilizers aims to optimize the biogas and biomethane production process through the incorporation of biochar in the anaerobic digestion process.
Soil regeneration through incorporation of enriched biochar e increase in organic substance;
Improvement of crops productivity and quality through the incorporation of enriched biochar as a soil improver and fertilizer soil organic;
Optimization of biogas and biomethane production through integration of biochar in the anaerobic digestion process;
Reduction of nitrogen emissions from digestion process effluents anaerobic.
1) Optimization of the anaerobic digestion process with integration of biochar. In the first phase of the project several pilot studies are conducted on the use and benefits of biochar as an additive in biogas production and biomethane so as to evaluate the cost/benefit ratio and identify a optimization model of the anaerobic digestion process;
2) Evaluation of the soil amendment effect of using enriched biochar in horticulture on soil and plants. The second phase involves the setting up of vegetable gardens companies with the introduction of enriched biochar, monitoring and conducting experimental fields on soil and agricultural crops produced with enriched biochar. Moreover the products sensorial quality is evaluated through tasting panels involving local consumers.
3) Dissemination of results and external communications. Dissemination of results and technical communication activities with farmers on the topics of regenerative soil practices with a focus on enriched biochar horticulture. In addition live webinars, in-person demonstration days and a final event were held.
This project has received funding from PSR 2014-2022 Regione Toscana, Misura 16.2 ““Sostegno a progetti pilota e allo sviluppo di nuovi prodotti, pratiche, processi e tecnologie”
