The Interprofessional Beef Organization (PROVACUNO), the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) have signed an addendum to continue the project Best Available Techniques for Advanced Agro-composting of Cattle Manure.
The first agro-composting project, developed by PROVACUNO, UMH, and UPV and presented last June, laid the groundwork for optimized manure management in beef cattle farms. Through farm and effluent classification, as well as composting trials in both pilot plants and real-world conditions, an advanced agro-composting protocol was developed in the form of a Best Available Technique (BAT) . This work, published in high-impact scientific journals, was complemented by the development of an app, Provacuno DSS Manure, designed to facilitate its practical application by producers.
One of the main findings of this initial project was the high variability in the composition of effluents (manure, slurry, and slaughterhouse sludge), which limits their agronomic valorization. This variability highlights the need for methodologies that allow for the reliable, rapid, and cost-effective estimation of the specific composition of each type of manure, especially to optimize its use as fertilizer, either directly or after composting processes.
Second phase: Automated prediction under innovative systems
In response to this need, the continuation of the project between PROVACUNO, UMH and UPV arises, which aims to advance in the economic and environmental valorization of these organic resources, consolidating the previous results.
This new project is structured around three key axes:
- The manure database will be improved by expanding and refining information on its composition through traditional analysis. The creation of a robust “Manure Bank” is planned, which will serve as the foundation for future digital tools and web applications.
- Estimation of fertilizer value using NIR technology, developing predictive models combined with artificial intelligence. This approach will allow for automated determination of the composition of cattle manure.
- Development of a digital tool, OPTIMANURE, which will integrate a prediction system and a dose recommendation module, considering both the composition of the manure and the type of soil and destination crop.
The work plan encompasses everything from strengthening the analytical foundation through representative sampling and comprehensive analyses (nutrients, metals, salinity) to implementing advanced algorithms and developing a functional web application. Furthermore, it includes extensive knowledge transfer activities, such as seminars, scientific and outreach publications, and the launch of the OPTIMANURE version with expanded functionalities.
With this ongoing project, PROVACUNO, UMH and UPV are making a significant contribution to the European roadmap aimed at the circularization of nutrients and by-products, and the reduction of dependence on mineral fertilizers, improving the tools for optimal agronomic dosing.
