Evaluation of biomass-derived nanomaterials and treated effluent as soil fertilizers
This Work Package focuses on evaluating the impact of biomass-derived nanostructured fertilizers on plant growth, soil properties, and plant health. Initially, performance criteria for these fertilizers will be established by designing experimental treatments to assess various growth indices and soil properties. The fertilizers will be tested in soilless media using tomato and potato plants to measure yield, biomass, and nutrient content. Following this, the best-performing fertilizers will be evaluated for their effects on soil microbial communities and microbial activity through pot experiments, analyzing CO2 evolution and microbial biomass. Further assessments will explore the fertilizers’ contributions to soil organic matter and fertility by analyzing chemical composition and humification processes. The plant-protecting properties of these fertilizers will be tested against common Mediterranean crop pathogens both in vitro and in planta. Comparative analysis of endophytic and rhizosphere microbiota will be conducted to identify key microbiota influencing plant protection. The key outcomes include defining performance criteria, assessing fertilization capacity, and evaluating suppressive properties of the biomass-derived nanostructured fertilizers.
Work package leader: DUTH
Deliverables:
D3.1 Establishment of performance criteria for the biomass-derived nanostructured fertilizer
D3.2 Fertilization capacity of biomass-derived nanostructured materials
D3.3 Effects of biomass-derived nanostructured fertilizers on soil microbial community structure and activity
D3.4 Influence of biomass-derived nanostructured fertilizers on soil organic matter and fertility
D3.5 Assessment of biomass-derived nanostructured fertilizers’ suppressive properties
