SmartFert are working alongside the University of Lincoln developing a containerised drying system using surplus heat to transform ungraded vegetables into valuable flakes & powder products for use in food production & for animal feed & pet foods.

Based on the Agricultural Growth Zone north of Lincoln, at the heart of the UK Food Valley’s agricultural cluster, SmartFert is on a mission to reduce waste and the UK’s reliance on imported fertilisers. 

 

Their sustainability vision is creating high value fertiliser products from low-value residues sourced from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, and the bio-energy sector.  The precision fertilisers, produced from waste streams are highly concentrated in crop nutrients equivalent to imported chemical fertilisers, can achieve a higher economic and practical value whilst limiting imports, thus bringing national food security and reducing environmental pollution.

 

SmartFert is currently engaged in transforming ungraded vegetables into marketable food products using a containerised drying system powered by surplus heat. Collaborating with the University of Lincoln and partnering with large vegetable growers and poultry businesses, SmartFert captures surplus heat generated from burning poultry litter for energy to dry the vegetables. This process produces valuable products locally, reducing reliance on imports from China and Germany.

 

Recycled Crop Nutrients is a part of SmartFert that plays a crucial role in bringing products to market by leveraging partnerships with both industry and academia. Their approach fosters the circular economy model and contributes in achieving net zero carbon emission. They are actively testing and trialling various products, including ash, digestate, biochar and solid residues.

 

Through trials, SmartFert has discovered that the resulting dried vegetable products also contain a useful concentration of crop nutrition. Ongoing research aims to maximise the economic and sustainable value of previously discarded waste products.

To find out more visit SmartFert Ltd - Sustainable High-Performing Fertilisers