Project Details
Description
USW researchers are pioneering the development of SIFER (Silicon Fertiliser), an organic fertiliser derived from digestate, which retains and slowly releases nutrients. This innovative approach boosts crop yields while significantly reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. By converting organic waste streams such as sewage and agricultural waste into valuable fertilisers, SIFER offers a sustainable alternative to traditional, energy-intensive fertilisers reliant on natural gas.
Using advanced materials science, researchers have engineered a porous silicon structure that allows for slow nutrient release, reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers. This aligns with global sustainability goals and enhances agricultural resilience to climate change.
SIFER also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and prevents nutrient leaching into groundwater, transforming digestate—a byproduct of anaerobic digestion—into a valuable resource. The project contributes to net-zero carbon goals and promotes soil health improvement.
In recent developments, a PhD student is investigating SIFER’s potential as an additive in peat-free compost. This research, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, highlights new applications for SIFER and was presented at a sustainable chemistry conference in July 2024.
By collaborating with industry partners and scaling up research through external funding, SIFER is poised to influence public policy and support sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to a circular economy that reduces pollution and enhances food security.
Using advanced materials science, researchers have engineered a porous silicon structure that allows for slow nutrient release, reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers. This aligns with global sustainability goals and enhances agricultural resilience to climate change.
SIFER also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and prevents nutrient leaching into groundwater, transforming digestate—a byproduct of anaerobic digestion—into a valuable resource. The project contributes to net-zero carbon goals and promotes soil health improvement.
In recent developments, a PhD student is investigating SIFER’s potential as an additive in peat-free compost. This research, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, highlights new applications for SIFER and was presented at a sustainable chemistry conference in July 2024.
By collaborating with industry partners and scaling up research through external funding, SIFER is poised to influence public policy and support sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to a circular economy that reduces pollution and enhances food security.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 2/10/24 → … |