InnoHLig

Innovative Humic Concentrates from Industrial Biomass Residues to Enhance Soil Fertility

Growing global population and climate change are placing increasing pressure on agricultural systems to produce more food while preserving natural resources. At the same time, the intensive use of mineral fertilizers is associated with high economic and environmental costs. Innovative solutions are urgently needed to enhance soil fertility and crop resilience in a sustainable and circular way.

Project Goals

The InnoHLig project aims to develop a scalable and sustainable process for converting industrial biomass residues—particularly those rich in aromatic carbon structures, such as wood-derived materials—into concentrated humic substances. Using chemical techniques inspired by natural humification, these renewable carbon sources are enriched with nitrogen to produce functional soil additives that replicate the properties of high-quality humus. The goal is to promote plant growth, increase stress tolerance, and support long-term soil health.

The approach focuses on enhancing the functionality of bio-based raw materials through targeted nitrogen incorporation techniques, resulting in products that replicate the beneficial properties of natural soil humus. This enables a shift away from fossil-based products (e.g., lignite-derived humic substances) toward renewable and circular alternatives. The project includes the optimization of reaction conditions and scaling up the process from laboratory to pilot level.

InnoHLig integrates chemical process engineering with agronomic testing and environmental assessment. The resulting humic products are expected to contribute to improved agricultural performance and carbon sequestration—supporting both sustainable agriculture and climate goals in a holistic strategy for advancing sustainable agriculture and carbon management.