The Project “Ecological Devices for Monitoring and Protecting Advanced Rural Ecosystems” (DEMeTRA) is a project funded by the Cascade Call in support of Southern Italian businesses under SPOKE 1 – CNR “Materials for Sustainability and Ecological Transition,” Innovation Ecosystem (PNRR M4.C2.I1.5) ECOSISTER Ecosystem for Sustainable Transition in Emilia-Romagna.
The primary goal of the DEMeTRA project is to enhance the efficiency of agricultural practices while simultaneously reducing environmental impact through the development and implementation of a biocompatible and biodegradable mulching film/cover integrated with an advanced sensor network. The project aims to develop a film/cover capable of replacing the pollutant plastic sheets commonly used for this type of application. Its composition is based on alginate-glycerine and inert materials of plant origin, such as straw, twigs, and vegetation clippings, promoting the adoption of a circular economy paradigm by businesses. The DEMeTRA project seeks to assess the use of the film as a tool for weed control in crops of interest to agricultural enterprises. It plans to use the new film for crop mulching and compare its effectiveness with traditional plastic sheets. To quantitatively measure results, the project includes the implementation of a sensor network. These sensors, placed in the test soil, will monitor various parameters such as moisture, temperature, and the presence of insects.
The DEMeTRA project has four main objectives:
i) optimization of the production process in the laboratory;
ii) development of the sensor network;
iii) field testing of the cover and sensors; and
iv) dissemination and communication of results.
The DEMeTRA project partnership consists of three Campanian companies with solid experience in research projects: the TerrAmore cooperative, Est s.r.l., and E.I.T.D. s.r.l.
The technological partner of the DEMeTRA project is Est s.r.l., which has already developed the technology for the biocompatible and biodegradable film in the laboratory. Est will optimize the film through the initial project activities to meet the needs and requirements of the agricultural business. Est contributes to the project by leveraging its advanced technological expertise for the design and development of the biocompatible film. Thanks to the skills and experience of its team of chemical engineers, it also plays a role in designing and implementing the sensor network.
Total project cost: €488,700.00
Portion allocated to EST: €139,400.00
