Study trip with Ethiopian partners on biofertilizer production

14.09.2023

On 28th August, we welcomed partners from Jimma University and Oromia Agricultural Research Instiute (IQQO) in Leipzig who joined us for a study trip on biofertilizer production through Germany and Austria. Together, we learned about small and big innovative projects that could inspire our ongoing research in Ethiopia.

After a tour of the DBFZ on Monday, we travelled to Bernburg and Helmstedt where we met Jeanine Dallmann (Hochschule Anhalt) who presented the Interpyro project concerned with the effect of biochar on crop yields, and Jonas Dieckmann of Dieckmann e.K. who uses biochar in biogas fermentation plants. We gained many valuable insights while visiting Wurmverein Tambach-Dietharz, an association for the production of vermicompost in the Thuringian Forest, Bionero, a family business that recreates Terra Preta in Bavaria and Abfallwirtschaft Neckar-Odenwald Kreis, a municipal waste treatment center in Baden-Württemberg.

On our way to Austria in our second week, we visited Moola Pflanzenkohle in Eislingen. Additionally to biochar as soil amendment they also produce biochar for animal feed and bedding. At Sonnenerde, Gerald Dunst showed us their sophisticated combined pyrolysis and drying plant with which they produce Europe's best Terra Preta. We gained more detailed knowledge particularly on the micobial side of soil health. Alfred Grand of Vermigrand works with the power of nature for his vermicompost. With millions of earthworms, they produce an effective organic fertilizer that is rich in microbes necessary for a fertile soil. For our final activity, we attended the International Practitioner Day Composting organised by the Austrian association Compost and Biogas where we the demonstration of composting machines and met manufacturers as well as experienced composting practitioners.

The shared vision of everyone we met are cicular economy and sustainable agriculture that is resilient to climate change and even helps to mitigate it. We were deeply impressed by the passion and the joy that everyone showed for their enterprises. We want to thank all the visited sites in Germany and Austria for their generous hospitality and for sharing their knowledge. We are looking forward to applying our insights to our own research that will eventually help Ethiopian farmers to amend their soils and increase their crop yields.

Special thanks go to our Ethiopian partners who spend those two weeks with us – in person and online. We are happy to work together towards soil health and food security.