%0 Conference Paper
%A Jablonowski, Nicolai David
%A Ohrem, Benedict
%A Jedmowski, Christoph
%A Grosch, Yannis
%A Königs, Bente
%A Neuwohner, Andrea
%A Ademi, Ali
%A Quarten, Michael
%A Beckmann, Silas
%A Najjar, Ashwaq
%A Schrey, Silvia
%A Kuhn, Arnd Jürgen
%A Rascher, Uwe
%A Schurr, Ulrich
%A Kuchendorf, Christina
%T Field-Scale Strategies for Biomass Cultivation on Degraded Soils: Insights from the Marginal Field Lab
%M FZJ-2025-02826
%D 2025
%X In the pursuit of a sustainable and bio-based economy, the reliable supply of biomass for material and energetic applications remains a significant challenge. To prevent competition with food production, alternative strategies are required—particularly the utilization and ecological upgrading of nutrient-deficient, sandy marginal soils. Addressing this challenge, the "Marginal Field Lab" offers a novel research infrastructure dedicated to exploring plant cultivation on such degraded substrates.The experimental site, located on a former spoil heap of the Hambach open-pit mine in central-west Germany, encompasses approx. 6 hectares. It is composed of a sandy, practically nutrient-free substrate with high gravel content and minimal water retention capacity—conditions that typify extreme marginal soils. Here, a series of long-term field experiments aim to (i) assess the scalability of laboratory and greenhouse findings in real-world field conditions and (ii) establish a functional research platform for diverse biomass-related applications including food, feed, fuel, and fiber production.A key research focus lies on evaluating different fertilization strategies, such as subsurface application of digestate, humic substances, algal biomass, and mineral NPK fertilizers. These treatments are tested across a range of promising biomass crops including the perennials Miscanthus x giganteus, Sida hermaphrodita, and Silphium perfoliatum; the biennial Melilotus officinalis; and annuals such as Carthamus tinctorius. To assess nutrient dynamics and soil development, leachate and soil sampling are employed to monitor leaching risks and potential carbon accumulation induced by the vegetation. Plant performance is assessed manually and via multispectral imaging using drones and airplane.The overarching objective is to determine the agronomic viability of selected crops on marginal landscapes. This contributes to erosion control, carbon storage, and the provision of ecosystem services. Biomass produced under these conditions is intended for use in regional bio-based industries, including the paper, fiber, oil, and chemical sectors—thus supporting structural change in the Rhenish mining area.With this contribution to EUBCE 2025, we aim to disseminate findings from the Marginal Field Lab and foster dialogue around biomass production on marginal lands, with the goal of sparking new collaborative efforts in sustainable land use and bioeconomy research.
%B European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
%C 9 Jun 2025 - 12 Jun 2025, Valencia (Spain)
Y2 9 Jun 2025 - 12 Jun 2025
M2 Valencia, Spain
%F PUB:(DE-HGF)24
%9 Poster
%R 10.34734/FZJ-2025-02826
%U https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1043305