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Project

Research and dissemination of knowledge in preparation for the possible industrial implementation of the thermal treatment of soil tare aiming at a safe and high-quality return to agriculture. (RESTAARDE CIRCULAIR II)

Main research question/goal

This follow-up project on Restaarde Circulair continues the search for a feasible way to free contaminated tare soil from nematodes. An additional focus in this Restaarde Circulair 2 is the yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), a weed that is very difficult to eradicate. The goal is to obtain a soil free from these contaminants to completely eliminate the risk of their spread between fields. Distribution of nematodes and of yellow nutsedge occurs passively, mainly through soil that comes along with harvested potato tubers and root vegetables. This soil is removed at the processor or packer and then disposed of. Tare soil is especially a problem for potatoes imported from other countries due to the European legislation on the transport of soil.

 


Research approach

In the previous Restaarde Circulair project we found that it is possible to kill quarantine nematodes (ILVO) by heating. This research is now being extended with yellow nutsedge and scaled up to apply it on a practical scale. Partner UGent is investigating the feasibility of using microwave technology and fluidized bed heating to obtain the heating conditions needed for the killing of potato cyst nematodes and yellow nutsedge. The Belgian Soil Service checks the quality of the soil after heating.  Flanders' Food coordinates this COOCK project and takes care of the transfer of the new technology to the end-users.

 


Relevance/Valorisation

The technique will be validated by building a pilot installation at a potato processing company, if the necessary conditions for heating, and thus killing of nematodes and yellow nutsedge, prove feasible. Especially potato processing companies are potential customers for this technology, but also processors of sugar beets and outdoor vegetables. The fact that these industries support this research, also financially (COOCK project), shows the relevance of this project.

 


Funding provider(s)
VLAIO

External partner(s)
BDB - Bodemkundige Dienst Van België
Flanders' Food
Ugent - Fac. Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen
UGent - Fac. Ingenieurswetenschappen en Architectuur
Date:1 May 2020 →  31 Jan 2023