Project partners: Roslagsvatten, VA SYD, Biototal, HS konsult, HIR Skåne, Waila, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Karlstad University, Biokolprodukter, Spinverse, Svenskt Vatten
Grant: SEK 5 470 416
Project duration: 2026-06-01 to 2029-05-30
Contact person: Aleksandra Lazic, Roslagsvatten
Purpose and objectives
The project aims to develop and verify sludge biochar as a safe and circular solution for recycling plant nutrients from the wastewater system to agriculture. Pyrolysis of sewage sludge can break down organic pollutants and remove some heavy metals while preserving phosphorus and stable carbon in a product that can be used as a fertilizer and soil conditioner.
The project aims to:
– develop best practices for processing, storing, transporting and spreading sludge biochar in agriculture,
– evaluate the effects of sludge biochar on soil and crops through field trials under real crop conditions,
– clarify the economic conditions for implementation by analyzing the economic values of slambiocols, business models and financing solutions,
– develop a knowledge base for authorities and industry stakeholders for the classification and implementation of sludge biochar as a resource-efficient and non-toxic circular resource.
Expected impacts and results
The project is expected to deliver both scientific results and practical guidelines on how sludge biochar can be managed and used in agriculture. The results include recommendations for application and management, methodology for pelleting, open data from field trials, scientific publications, and market and business model analyses. In the longer term, the project is expected to contribute to increased phosphorus recovery from the sewage system, reduced dispersion of hazardous substances to agricultural land, reduced eutrophication through more controlled nutrient inputs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from sludge management. Thus, the project supports the Water Wise Societies mission, in particular the missions of Recycle and Reuse Water and its Resources, Prevent and Reduce the Spread of Hazardous Substances and Reduce Eutrophication in Lakes and Rivers.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is carried out in collaboration between water and wastewater organizations, research actors, agricultural advisors and companies in sludge management and biochar. The work is organized in three work packages: WP1 – Processing and handling of sludge biochar, WP2 – Field trials at SLU’s experimental stations, the Swedish Society of Husbandry and farmers in different parts of Sweden, WP3 – Market, business models and financing solutions.
The text on this page was written by the project team. The content has not been reviewed by our editors.
Goals and tasks
- Thriving and healthy waters
- Prevent and reduce the spread of hazardous substances
- Reduce eutrophication in lakes and watercourses
- Wise use of water
- Recycle and reuse water and its resources
