Contact
Jónas Baldursson
Project Manager
jonasb@matis.is
Aquaculture sludge, which contains leftover fish feed and waste, is a major concern when it comes to aquaculture. The Soil Improving Biomaterials project aims to transform fish farm sludge into biochar, create a practical solution for Icelandic farmers and gardeners and thus deal with environmental challenges.
Biochar is produced by decomposition (e. Pyrolysis), which is a process where organic matter is heated at high temperatures without oxygen. Biochar can then be used to improve soil quality, sequester carbon, conserve nutrients and reduce the need for imported artificial fertilizers. The focus of the project is to map the value chain in Iceland, identify the main stakeholders and understand the needs of the market, thereby gaining insights from farmers and horticulture companies to ensure that the biocarbon products meet the needs of Icelandic stakeholders. The project includes market research and product testing to optimize biochar for local conditions and serves as a model for the integration of aquaculture and agriculture. The project is led by Íslenska Sjávarklasans and Geo Salmo, a land-based salmon farming company, in collaboration with Matís, and expert Jan Henning Legreid.