Training course " Using plant and animal residues and waste as an alternative source of energy "
The use of plant and animal residues and waste as an alternative source of energy was another partial topic to be addressed in our project as examples of good practice. The Spanish partner organization Magenta Consultoría Projects S.L.U, which prepared a very interesting and very beneficial program on the topic, undertook this task very well. The first organization visited, was Lombriastur (Grao), which specializes in the production of organic fertilizer, the transformation of composted livestock manure into humus using California earthworms. Earthworms perfectly process organic residues, which they convert into organic matter rich in humic acids and cytokinins, so they have a very positive effect on soil fertility.
Lombriastur is one of the only organizations in Asturia that has been targeting California earthworms for over 30 years. On an area of 1.5 hectares, there are 41 belts with a water-permeable foil. To obtain 300 tons of humus, it is necessary to process 1000 tons of manure. The processed oranic mass is dried in a greenhouse so that the water content of the humus does not exceed 40 %. This process takes about 5 days in summer time and up to 3 weeks in winter time. The final drying takes place using a dryer, which artificially dries the humus. The temperature of this last stage of production does not exceed 60 degrees, so as not to disturb the natural microbiology of humus. Humus can be stored for a maximum of one year in a shady place.
Thanks to the incorporation of such a good quality humus into the soil, its physical, chemical and biological properties are affected and improve its properties and form its structure suitable for plant growth, their protection against the effects of toxic substances. Humus also maintains a stable water and a temperature regime of the soils, thus allowing the development and positive impact of edaphon. Sufficient humus in the soil ensures the desired water absorption and especially along floodplains, it can reduce the risk of flooding residential areas.
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Visit eMULA project (Cabrales)
Management in the Picos de Europa National Park was very interesting for us. The eMULA company was established by the regional office for the purpose of using manure produced by breeding cows, goats and sheep. A representative of the company introduced their project to us, which is based on the traditional use and treatment of manure into the final compost form. The company buys manure from 3,000 suppliers 3 times a day and also uses wood residues from the forest mining for composting, which increases the absorption capacity. Beef cattle usually graze freely in the wild, where they unfortunately face a larger increase of the number of wild wolves, which cause considerable losses to farmers.
Dairy cattle are based on the traditional rotation of pastures near the farm. The actual production of composted manure consists in mixing all types of manure from cows, goats and sheep, so that the customer always obtains the same quality and the absorption capacity of composted manure was in maximum.
In this beautiful area, we also had the opportunity to visit a local farmer who is involved in this project. With the breeding of goats and sheep, he contributes as a manure supplier to the production of quality organic compost. It was also beneficial for us to see the production of goat and sheep cheeses in - queseria "El Cabriteru Arena de Cabrales" and the local museum of cheese production in the traditional way.
The herd at "El Cabriter" consists of about 150 Murcian goats and 250 Lacaune sheep. Their diet is carefully maintained, consisting essentially of dry fodder, mostly alfalfa and some cereals. Their food is carefully maintained, consisting essentially of dry fodder, mostly lucerne and some cereal. Animal welfare is a concern of the owners, allowing them to obtain superior quality milk with which they make their cheeses. The cheese dairy “El Cabriteru” started making cheese in 2016. After a decade as sheep and goat milk producers, they decided to take the leap and transform the milk of their goats and sheep into their own cheeses.
Being located in the region of Asturias, a region known for its variety of blue cheeses, the cheese dairy “El Cabriteru” did not limit itself to making DOP cheeses but went further by creating 3 signature cheeses, internationally awarded in 2016 (beginning of cheese production) and again in 2021 in the blue cheeses category of the “world cheese awards” contest, all its cheeses are produced with raw milk from its herd, having three different varieties: raw sheep’s milk cheese, raw goat’s milk cheese and cheese of raw sheep and goat milk.
The group was received and accompanied by the owner who, during the visit, carefully explained the whole process of raising the animals as well as the manufacture of the products, and processing of the produced manure in connection with the eMULA project.
The local museum of blue cheese, carables, goat's, cow's and sheep's milk has given us a comprehensive idea of the historical way of making this traditional cheese. In Spain, there is a greater harmony in nature, and thus greater biodiversity, and we were in the northern industrial areas of the country.
Also a visit of the botanical garden "Jardín Botánico de Gijón" was very beneficial for us. Here we could see typical plants and woody plants common to the region of Asturias, which are used as one of the components for the production of quality compost and biomass. The close connection to the local University with a scientific focus, who use the garden for their research and knowledge, was also excellent.
A visit of the "Cider Museo" was a real experience. Not only did we have the opportunity to know the history of production and technology of this traditional and world-famous juice, but also the ways of dealing with vegetable waste caused by apple processing. The traditional production of this drink through historically unchanging processes accompanied by historical-cultural "events" strengthens people's relationship to the place and its landscape. Both human activities support intergenerational ties and thus the transfer of traditional farming in the landscape, which is more gentle than in the case of conventional production. The extensively managed landscape, in which there are orchards used for the production of apples for cider production, creates ideal conditions for ecologically demanding species of plants and animals.
Conclusion
Asturia is an area of Spain where there is a relatively high amount of precipitation throughout the year due to the relatively high mountains of the Picos de Europa National Park and the proximity of the sea. In this area, the land is used mainly for livestock breeding, so the processing of manure is one of the usable commodities for the processing of quality compost and its export, especially to other areas of Spain. Given the current climate change, it is desirable for manure processing technologies to spread beyond Asturias. Quality compost obtained from animal waste products can help tackle climate change, in particular by helping to retain water on farmland.
Due to its natural beauty, the region of Asturias is rightly considered a Spanish paradise.
