Research & Innovation. Greece

Description of the project: Greek research laboratory expert in producing high quality vermicompost from animal waste is looking for a research or academic institute specialized in soil microbiology and/or SMEs specialized in waste composting in order to produce, ameliorate and standardize a highly growth-promoting and environmentally-friendly vermicompost. The proposer intends to submit a project proposal under H2020 topic WASTE-7-2015 on Ensuring sustainable use of agricultural waste, co-products and byproducts.

Details: Vermicomposting is a widely-used method of manipulating animal wastes for use in agriculture and the enhancement of crop yield. However, the following shortcomings can be found in the present state of manufacture and use:

- lack of standardization and repeatability in the process of vermicomposting
- crop production enhancement not sufficiently clear or targeted
- lack of knowledge about the impact of vermicomposting manufacture on humans and the
environment.
Greek research laboratory with expertise in environmental planning and protection, environmental management and research and risk assessment for human health (REACH directive), is preparing a proposal on producing high-quality vermicompost from animal waste, with minimal initial cost, utilizing the common earthworm Eisenia foetida.
The proposal aims to produce, ameliorate and standardize a highly growth-promoting, environmentally-friendly and pathogen-free vermicompost from animal manure (and other waste). Each one of the characteristics of the compost will be tested and quantified. The environmental and public health impact from vermicompost manufacture and use will be assessed.

The adapted final composition will be made known to, available to and tested by interested parties (farmers and farmers' unions). Substantial incorporation of vermicomposting in fertilizing practices in conventional and organic farming is envisaged. Thus the research laboratory is interested in research and innovation transfer for the amelioration of properties of compost and other organic fertilizers (yield boosting, increased crop quality, pest control), as well as on the quantification and mitigation of its environmental impact (soil, water, air).

The Greek research institution is planning to submit a proposal under H2020 topic WASTE-7-2015 on Ensuring sustainable use of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products.

The proposer is interested to identify SMEs with expertise in vermicompost manufacturing from a number of animal and plant sources, and/or expertise in post-vermicompost products manufacturing (vermicompost concentrate in solid/liquid form etc) and in microbial identification, quantification and biodiversity techniques. Furthermore, the proposer is looking for research institutions familiar with microarray technology targeting soil microbes genes and environmental monitoring assessment (of pathogens and pollutants in soil and water). The deadline for receiving expression of interests from potential partners is the 31st of March 2015. The project duration is 96 weeks.

Advantages and Innovations
- vermicomposting is a cost effective way of discarding of organic waste while at the same time creating an environmentally-friendly fertilizer
- boosted vermicompost in plant growth promoting micro-organisms has not been tried to a large extent, and that is the intention of this proposal
- the market for organic fertilizers at competitive prices is likely to expand in Greece and other Southern European countries, mainly for financial reasons. In contrast, chemical fertilization has sharply declined due to high prices. Switching to cheaper solutions is inevitable.

Technical Specification or Expertise Sought

The proposer intends to submit a project proposal under H2020 topic WASTE-7-2015 on Ensuring sustainable use of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products. Proposals should evaluate existing techniques and develop new and innovative approaches for efficient use of agricultural waste, co-products and by-products, thereby contributing to the creation of sustainable value chains in the farming and processing sectors (including the organic sector). A
range of sector-specific case studies (in terms of sources of waste and uses as well as geographic coverage) should serve to test and take up proposed approaches and technologies. Research and innovation efforts should address crop co-products/by-products/waste as well as manure/effluents. As regards manure and effluents, proposals should address some or all of the following areas:

1. nutrient, energy and biochemical recovery from manure and other effluents;
2. improved knowledge on the environmental impact of manure and other effluents, further developing measurements and good manufacturing practices, minimising impacts on water and air quality (emissions and odours);
3. sanitary implications of pathogens that can be transmitted from manure and possible control options;
4. management chains, from processing to transport and application.

Deadline: The deadline of the call is the 21st of April 2015.

Partner sought: - Type of partner sought: Research or academic institute and SME

- Specific area of activity of the partner: Research or academic institute specializing in soil microbiology, SME specialized in waste composting is also highly desirable

- Task to be performed: production, ameliorattion and standardization of a highly growthpromoting,environmentally-friendly and pathogen-free vermicompost from animal manure (and other waste).

Type and Size of Partner Sought: SME 11-50, University, R&D Institution,SME

Type of Partnership Considered: Research cooperation agreement

Contact:

Publicado por europa en febrero 16, 2015