Marta Fuentes
Researcher - Biological and Agricultural Chemistry group
BIOMA Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment, University of Navarra
Pamplona, Spain
Transformation and valorization of byproducts and biowastes for their use as agricultural inputs
My organisation
About me
I am part of the Biology and Agricultural Chemistry (BACh) research group at the Instituto BIOMA-Universidad de Navarra. Our specialty is developing innovative and sustainable solutions for plant nutrition, soil health, and environmentally friendly fertilization strategies. Our multidisciplinary team integrates chemists, microbiologists and biochemists with the expertise to design and/or test bio-based and biodegradable delivery systems that optimize fertilization efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
We have extensive experience in developing high-efficiency fertilizers, including nitrogen and phosphorus-based formulations designed to enhance nutrient uptake and minimize losses. Our expertise in bioactive molecules and biostimulants allows us to improve plant resilience to biotic and abiotic stress, optimizing growth while reducing dependency on conventional agrochemicals. Additionally, our research on soil chemistry and nutrient dynamics focuses on understanding plant-soil-microorganism interactions to enhance soil fertility and structure.
Our industrial collaborations have resulted in the development and commercialization of patented fertilizing solutions. We are also actively involved in circular economy projects, focusing on the valorization of agricultural and agro-industrial byproducts, nutrient recovery from organic residues, and the development of bio-based inputs that contribute to a sustainable and regenerative agricultural system.
We have developed various methods for turning organic biomass into solid fertilizer matrices. We are willing and able to test those methods at a laboratory scale on wool leftovers that are not utilized for textile manufacturing and are instead discarded.
We have advanced analytical capabilities to support research and product development. Our facilities allow for physicochemical characterization of fertilizers, ensuring the quality, stability, and efficiency of bio-based formulations. Additionally, we conduct molecular and biochemical analyses in plants, evaluating physiological responses to fertilization strategies, as well as microbiome studies to understand the impact of bio-based fertilizers on soil microbial communities and their role in nutrient cycling and plant health. We also screen and assess the plant-growth promotion effect of microorganisms, with the goal of integrating them into new biostimulants or fertiliing formulations.
https://portalcientifico.unav.edu/investigadores/329886/detalle
Skills
- wool surplus revalorization
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THEMATIC GROUPS INTEREST