Suitability of Porous Inorganic Materials from Industrial Residues and Bioproducts for Use in Horticulture: A Multidisciplinary Approach

This study follows a circular economy approach through the preliminary implementation of coated porous inorganic material (PIM), studied as sustainable controlled release fertilizer, and its application for lettuce Lactuca sativa L. cultivar Chiara growth. The PIM was made pumice scraps that partially replaced clay natural raw material, spent coffee grounds agent, bovine bone ash potassium carbonate to provide phosphorus (P) (K) nutrients, respectively. A coating with defatted black soldier fly prepupae biomass used nitrogen (N) source. Most ingredients were industrial residues, aim valorizing waste materials present locally. suitability PIMs fertilizer investigated an interdisciplinary approach, which included first chemical physical characterization evaluation antibacterial properties use in horticulture growth tests. As tests carried out indoors, specific LED lighting device grow lettuce. nutrients into soil estimated by measuring main elements fertilizers before after their soil. results from this support PIMs’ agronomic applications. suggested average higher dry weight (49%), fresh (112%), leaf area (48%), compared those standard soil, without any dangerous element plant These are promising beginning development further studies already progress on controlled-release fertilizers.