Our research projects

Title

Modellvorhaben zur Herstellung von nachhaltigen Kultursubstraten auf Basis von Faserstoffen aus Paludibiomasse

Acronym

PaludiKult

Start

01.12.2021

End

31.12.2024

Coordinating Institute

Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V. (ATB)

Coordinator

Partner

Project team ATB

Allocated to research program

Summary

In the PaludiKult project, the sustainable production and processing of paludibio mass for use as fibre in growing media is being researched and tested in practice. For this purpose, the site- and species-specific biomass potentials in the Rhinluch model region are being determined with partners from agriculture, research and the substrate industry, process chains for the year-round provision of raw materials are being developed and, based on the analysis of raw material properties, storage processes and product requirements, suitable process chains for the production of fibre as a climate-neutral substrate feedstock are being developed. The focus of the work is in particular the further development of the active principle of thermo-mechanical biomass digestion by means of extruder and disc mill for the energy-efficient defibration of paludibio mass in combination with a controlled pressure-temperature treatment of the raw materials for simultaneous hygienisation. The produced fibres and other substrate components (e.g. compost) are investigated in detail with regard to their physical-hydrological, biological and chemical properties in order to be able to produce substrate mixtures with the highest possible proportion of paludibio mass in a targeted manner, taking into account the interaction between the components. The mixtures, which are initially tested on a pilot plant scale and confirmed by means of germination and growth tests, are then verified on a production scale and optimised under practical conditions. The practical transfer of the results will be supported by a practitioners guide for substrate mixtures based on paludibio mass. Supplementary analyses in the field of paludiculture cultivation on management intensity, biodiversity and hydrology will provide further well-founded statements on the environmental impacts and costs of the process line developed in the project for the regional production of peat-free growing media.

Funding

Grant agreement number