First results of LIFE AgRemSO3il experiments with small prototype

Initial tests, performed during last year, using a small prototype of the LIFE-AgRemSO3il project have provided “very satisfactory” results, according to Dr José Fenoll, scientific coordinator of the project.
The last essays (May-August 2019) were carried out in pots containing 3 Kg of clay loam soil (2.2% organic matter content, 33.94% clay, 39.87% silt, 26.19% sand) spiked with 33 active ingredients to 1 mg Kg-1 of each one and placed in a greenhouse. Three different treatments were applied to the soil: solarization (placement of a transparent plastic), ozonation + solarization (application of ozone while the soil is covered) and a control experiment was also conducted (without any treatment). The results showed degradations of 49% for control treatment, 69% for solarisation and 82% for ozonation + solarisation.
Regarding the effects on soil microbiota, the foreseen set of analysis was performed for every essay, and the results suggest that the assayed ozone conditions are not harmful in soil. These positive effects will be checked in the following stages of the project at larger scale.