CIRCE is leading a project to develop biofertilisers that optimise water use in agriculture

CIRCE - Technological Center leads "HYDRONUTRI, development of innovative fertilizers with advanced water retention capabilities to improve agricultural production." An innovative project that aims to promote sustainable development and adaptation to climate change in rural areas of Aragon. The initiative is part of the latest call for Operational Groups under the National Strategic Plan of the CAP 2023-2027 and is funded by the Department of Agriculture of the Government of Aragon.

CIRCE is a pioneer in several projects focused on sustainability and efficient resource management in the agricultural sector. Among them, initiatives that promote innovative solutions for the management of agricultural waste and by-products stand out, as detailed in this article on innovative solutions for the management of waste and by-products.

HYDRONUTRI has a budget of 150,000 euros, 80% of which is subsidized by the latest call for Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP). The development of HYDRONUTRI will extend over the next three and a half years, during which a biofertilizer capable of improving crop adaptation to new climatic conditions, without negatively affecting productivity, will be developed.

An innovative solution for sustainable agriculture

The main objective of this project is the development of a biofertilizer with advanced water retention properties, enabling soils and crops to better cope with climate fluctuations while reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. This approach not only optimizes water use, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce, but also contributes to the reduction of soil and water pollution, promoting more efficient and sustainable agricultural management.

The implementation of this biofertilizer will help boost the productivity of agricultural operations. It will also encourage the use of local products, strengthening supply chains and contributing to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

Practical application and territorial reach

The project includes field monitoring of the biofertilizer’s effectiveness, assessing its impact on reducing water stress in dryland and semi-arid crops, as well as in those with higher water needs, such as rice and corn. The trials will be conducted in the Cinca Medio and Somontano de Barbastro regions, where the participating entities are located.

A consortium of key players in sustainable agriculture

The consortium is made up of five entities: DEFEDER Alcolea S.L., ECOCINCA S.L., and Cooperativa Osca, as beneficiary members; and Unión de Agricultores y Ganaderos de Aragón (UAGA) and the Association for Rural Development of Hoya de Huesca (ADESHO), which will organize workshops and local events to disseminate the results as non-beneficiaries. CIRCE completes the group as the project coordinator, specializing in agricultural soil sustainability.

Impact on the competitiveness of the agri-food sector

The project is aligned with the objectives of the Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP), which seek solutions to specific problems in rural areas, improving the competitiveness of the agri-food sector through efficient resource use, technology, and innovation. The knowledge transfer generated through HYDRONUTRI will be key to promoting sustainable growth in Aragonese and Spanish agriculture.

CIRCE, committed to sustainability in rural areas, also leads other innovative projects such as NENUPHAR, OPTIDIGEST, or VALIQPORK, which address the valorization of waste and efficiency in the management of agricultural and industrial resources. These projects complement HYDRONUTRI's work, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to improving the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural operations.