©Margit Wallner
Re-Peat: Reed-for-Peat
Microstructure-supported process optimization for the innovative production of a new peat substitute from regenerative reed straw
Peat remains the dominant component in plant substrates and commercial garden soils globally, but its extraction poses severe environmental threats: massive CO2 release and destruction of critical carbon sinks. Replacing it is crucial for ecological protection.
The ACR strategic project “Re-Peat” presents a sustainable solution by developing an innovative composting technique specifically for reed straw. This modern process –mono-composting – avoids mixing other organic wastes, producing a uniform quality product ideal for professional horticulture. We enhance this process using spent brewer’s grains as the nitrogen source. This process integrates novel analysis methods by the FELMI-ZFE to guarantee reliability. Together with the project partners AEE INTEC, LVA and GET the project develops a unique method ensuring homogeneous quality suitable for cultivating needs. This includes the detailed morphological as well chemical analysis of the peat substitute, the scalability to industrial level to take the requirements of the stakeholders into account.
By utilizing regionally sourced reed straw (extracted by Seemanagement around Lake Neusiedl), Re-Peat aims to create a substitute of peat, thus reducing its import while offering an ecologically sound alternative, aligning with EU climate and biodiversity goals.
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For further information:
Mag. Dr. Manfred Nachtnebel
Key-Account-Manager – Umweltanalyse/Bausektor
Tel. +43 316 873-8831
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