High-quality biofertilizers for high-quality sustainable horticulture

The aim of the project is the optimization of a new composting process to produce a high-quality biofertilizer, composed of high-quality organic matter and active selected microorganisms. This biofertilizer can play an important role in improving the economical, environmental and social sustainability of agricultural activities, simultaneously improving also the food quality. Composting the residues of agricultural and agro-industrial processes is a way to convert a waste in a resource, reducing the costs for disposal and adding a new income due to a new co-product, so increasing the added value of the supply chain. The new proposed composting technology, using selected useful microorganisms throughout the process, can be developed as a new industrial activity with good opportunities of development in the field of green economy. This requires specifically competent workers, creating new job opportunities. A new biofertilizer that simultaneously add to soil organic matter and selected useful microorganisms contribute to the improvement of physical and chemical soil quality but also of the biological fertility, preserving the soil biodiversity with the related ecosystem services; this is nowadays considered one main issue in environmental sustainability of agriculture. The use of this biofertilizer can establish an environment favourable to plant health, allowing a reduced use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers; as a consequence, the improvement of food safety is also reached. It is already known that several rizospheric microorganisms can also improve the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of agricultural products and also their suitability to agro-industrial transformation; moreover, the shelf-life of ready-to-eat products can also be extended when plants are inoculated with selected soil microorganisms. Consumers confidence can be earned when these kinds of good practices are adopted in agriculture, due to the higher reliability of food quality and to a better respect for the environment.