He SIMBIOLIVA Operational Grouppromoted within the framework of the European Association for Innovation in Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (AEI-AGRI) 2023, has launched an innovative project that promises to transform the management of alperujo, a key byproduct of olive oil production. With a focus based on the circular economy and biotechnologySIMBIOLIVA seeks to protect soils from degradation and increase the resilience of crops, thus benefiting the entire olive and agricultural sector.
Bio-technological solutions for the future of the olive grove
The central objective of SIMBIOLIVA is take advantage of physical-chemical processes combined with biological treatments that help degrade the polyphenols of alperujo. This strategy will allow us to obtain a natural solution that will not only help manage this waste, but will also improve the quality of the soil. The degradation of polyphenols, carried out by specific microorganisms, will reduce treatment times and facilitate the valorization of alperujo as an organic amendment, contributing to the sustainability of the sector.
The urgency of managing alperujo in Spain
Spain produces 45% of the world’s alperujo, generating around 18 million tons per year, which represents a challenge for its proper management. SIMBIOLIVA proposes an innovative solution that will significantly reduce treatment times and will allow this by-product to be valued as an improved biofertilizer.bringing benefits to both agriculture and the economy.
Furthermore, the project addresses a key problem: soil degradation in Spain, which loses 21 tons per hectare per year. With the application of these new technologies, SIMBIOLIVA will not only improve soil fertility, but will also contribute to decarbonization, creating CO2 sinks in line with the European Soil Strategy and the 4 per 1000 Initiative.
Economic and environmental impact: towards more sustainable fertilization
The project has the potential to generate significant economic savings, with a reduction of up to 44% in nitrogen fertilization costs. In addition, it could reduce CO2 emissions from the agricultural sector by 12.5%, contributing to the fight against climate change.
The results of the project will be tested in different regions of Spain, such as Andalusia and Castilla y Leóntesting the effects on agricultural, forestry and ornamental species. This will allow the benefits to be evaluated in both rural and urban areas, where green infrastructure is increasingly relevant to improve air quality and capture pollutants.
Collaboration for a more sustainable future
SIMBIOLIVA brings together key actors from the agricultural and research sector, including entities such as DCOOP, El Ejidillo, DMC Research, the CSIC and the San Pablo CEU University. In addition, it has the support of the Federation of Agri-Food Cooperatives of Andalusia and the BIOVEGEN platform. This Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to develop sustainable solutions that respond to the challenges of the olive sector and the population.
Towards a circular economy of the olive grove
With 80% financing coming from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), SIMBIOLIVA is an essential initiative for the future sustainability of the olive grove and the protection of agricultural soils. The project promises to generate new opportunities in the biofertilizers and biostimulants market, offering solutions that promote a circular economy, reduce costs and improve environmental quality.
This innovative project is positioned as one of the keys to ensuring a greener and more equitable future in agriculture, ensuring the productivity of the olive grove and reinforcing Spain’s leadership in the global olive sector.
