Enhancing a circular economy through the use of biochar and organic waste as an agro-ecological improver

-Could olive tree residues be tested as part of the organic waste matrix, given their abundance in Crete? -Could you please clarify what the final deliverables of your proposal will be?

Thank you for the question. Yes, olive tree residues can be applied and tested in our experiments. This could be undertaken experimentally, either by itself or mixed in with other organic waste to see the response of the soil and the plants growing on that amended soil. Olive tree prunes and pomace have been shown to be beneficial to soils, showing an increase in total organic carbon, water retention and soil stability. Recent research has indicated that by adding nitrogen in combination with olive pruning and pomace increase carbon soil decomposition in the soil, hence adding this waste with other organic food waste would prove very beneficial. Although promising, this approach would need experimenting in the region due to weather and soil variability to other studies in the literature. The effects of adding biochar to soils with olive tree waste has not fully been tested, but it is hypothesised it would have the same positive benefits as discussed in the proposal and literature (e.g., increasing nutrient retention, carbon capture, water retention, soil structure and soil health – microbiology). Below is a list of potential deliverables: (1) Improve soil health, structure, and food productivity and security in the region. (2) Reduce overall recycling and agricultural costs in the region and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. (3) Comply with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector and reduce landfill waste. (4) Improving community awareness and involvement in agro-ecological solutions and provide high-quality citizen science training. (5) Increase stakeholder engagement with farmers, waste management companies, public bodies and consumers. (6) Generate reports and best practice documents, while increasing knowledge and capacity building for the region.