AGRIVAL

Development of a substrate with properties similar to conventional substrates, made from the by-products of the agri-food industry as an alternative to peat and/or coconut fiber.

AGRIVAL identifies which by-products and mixtures from the agri-food industry have similar properties to peat and coconut fiber in order to generate sustainable and efficient substrates.

Once characterised, the new substrates will be used in crops of local agricultural producers, particularly in strawberry and tomato crops, to assess their technical, economic, and environmental application.

Currently, peat and coconut fiber are key components in the production of agricultural substrates, as they provide beneficial properties for crops. However, their use generates a considerable negative environmental impact. Therefore, the search for more eco-friendly alternatives to these materials is essential to promote more sustainable and environmentally respectful agriculture.

Eurecat participates in the project through the Water, Air, and Soil (WAS) Unit and the Waste, Energy, and Environmental Impact (WEEI) Unit. Both units collaborate in selecting the products to be used as alternative materials and in generating the new substrates. The WAS Unit also participates in monitoring the crops at the pilot scale. The project, coordinated by the FOODSERVICE Cluster, also involves the participation of the companies Agroviver, Agrícola Maresme SXXI SAT, and CET El Pla.