Biocomforest: Valorization of Pruning and Gardening Waste by Composting for the Development of Local Bioeconomy and Circular Strategies for Ecological Transition
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The BIOCOMFOREST project aims to valorize plant residues generated from both forest management activities and urban green maintenance (including gardening, mowing, and horticulture) through composting. This project is being developed in El Royo, Soria, Spain and its primary objective is to convert locally available biowastes into valuable resources, promoting a circular bioeconomy model and supporting sustainable land and forest management practices. The project comprises a baseline assessment, in situ composting investigation (pilot plants and a full-scale plant) as well as extensive environmental education and public engagement activities. The initial phase of the project involved a comprehensive baseline assessment, including spatial and cartographic analysis, literature review and field visits to identify available biomass types and distribution. Samples of plant residues were collected both from forest areas and within urban environments. These samples underwent thorough physicochemical characterization (moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total carbon and nitrogen, C/N ratio, phosphorus, heavy metals and exchangeable cations). The data obtained was used to design the pilot composting experiment adapted to local conditions. The pilot consisted of three replicated conical compost piles built of different types of plant material in a 3:6:1 ratio: (1) oak leaves, (2) a mixture of forest species and (3) a mixture of garden residues. Each pile is monitored with a datalogger system equipped with temperature sensors that record hourly data to ensure the maintenance of optimal temperature conditions. Weekly samples from each pile are also analyzed to track compost maturation parameters and microbial activity. Simultaneously, a full-scale composting plant is being built in El Royo, which will feature two processing lines: one for the active phase and another for the maturation phase of composting. This facility is intended to serve as a long-term solution for managing local plant waste sustainably. The third component of BIOCOMFOREST project is its strong focus on environmental education and public engagement. Outreach activities include participation in national and international scientific conferences, as well as the delivery of nearly 30 interactive workshops on composting, recycling and sensory education, engaging close to 500 participants across age groups from early childhood to adults. These actions aim to raise awareness of composting's ecological and economic benefits and to stimulate green entrepreneurship and employment in rural areas. The project supports local bioeconomic development, fosters ecological transition, and contributes to sustainable forest and land stewardship by closing the cycle on organic waste and reintegrating it into productive cycles.
Institution: Universidad de Valladolid
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223651675