At the AGRA 2026 Fair in Gornja Radgona, the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, ZRS Koper and KOTO d.o.o., within the European Waste4Soil project, presented practical results from the development of the DIGOL soil improver. The new EU Fertiliser Action Plan was also presented, highlighting the importance of reducing dependence on imported fertilisers and increasing the use of bio-based and circular nutrient sources. The presentation was followed by an interactive workshop focusing on the transfer of bio-based and circular solutions from research into agricultural practice.
DIGOL is a pelletised soil improver developed within the Slovenian Living Lab from side streams of the food-processing industry, combining the solid fraction of digestate, olive pomace and biochar. Results from field and pot experiments were presented, together with findings on nutrient release, plant growth, soil organic matter and soil nutrient stocks. The results demonstrate DIGOL’s potential to return nutrients and organic matter to soils and reduce dependence on mineral fertilisers.
The interactive workshop was designed using the Dynamic Learning Agenda (DLA) approach. Participants worked in four groups addressing trust, quality and social acceptance of new products; legislation and certification; knowledge required for practical application; and the role of the Living Lab in connecting key stakeholders. For each topic, participants identified barriers, opportunities and resources, and proposed concrete actions to accelerate the transition of bio-based and circular solutions into practice.
Key challenges included the regulatory status of new products, certification, quality and safety assurance, and the transition from research and development to practical use on farms. Participants emphasized the need for reliable analyses, clear recommendations for use, and pilot and demonstration trials. The workshop showed that wider adoption of circular soil improvers requires not only technological development, but also a clearer regulatory framework, reliable quality assurance, and closer cooperation among researchers, producers, farmers, advisors and decision-makers.
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