The LIFE No_Waste project aims to evaluate, demonstrate and disseminate the sustainable use of ash (from residual forest biomass combustion) combined with organic waste materials (biological sludge from the pulp and paper industry or compost) to regenerate degraded soils from mining areas, in compliance with the EU ‘Thematic Strategy for Soil Protection’.
The project also aims to reduce the impact of wastes from the pulp and paper industry on the environment, while making better use of valuable resources according to the ‘end-of-waste’ criteria, while also contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
A pilot-scale application of soil additives, produced by the mixture of ash with organic waste materials, will demonstrate soil recovery in three degraded mining areas (on a total of 12 test plots of 100 m2 each) located within the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal
Expected results: Through the production, testing and application of soil additives, composed of ash from residual forest biomass combustion, biological sludge and/or organic compost, to regenerate degraded soils in mining areas in Portugal, the following specific results are expected:
• The neutralisation of soil acidity (increased pH from 2.5-3.5 to 5.5-6.5);
• A 300-400% increase in soil organic carbon stock;
• A 100-300% increase in the available pool of plant nutrients (Ca, Ma, Na and K); A 90-100% decrease in available pools of potentially toxic elements;
• Up to 100% reduction of soil erosion rates;
• A 40-70% increase in soil water-retaining capacity;
• Up to 80% increase in plant biomass production;
• Up to 100% increase in microbial biomass;
• Up to 100% increase in enzymatic activity; and
• Up to one tonne of CO2 sequestered per 40 tonnes of ash applied to soil.
Additional expected achievements of the project include:
• Up to 100% reduction in the consumption of other expensive soil ameliorants (e.g. fertilisers, lime);
• Up to 100% reduction in diffuse pollution from the mining areas (e.g. Cd, Zn, Cu and Pb);
• Supporting the circular economy and accomplishing ‘end-of-waste’ criteria for biomass ash; and
• Contributing to the sustainability of important economic sectors in Portugal (i.e. pulp and paper industry, energy production, waste management and mining).
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