Water Retention Improvement in Dry Areas Using Organic Fertilizers on Anthropogenic Soils

This project develops and tests Special Granulated Organic Fertilizers (SGOF) from biogas digestate and biomass residues to enhance soil water retention in dry, degraded anthropogenic soils. SGOF formulations, incorporating digestate, straw, post-harvest residues, and biochar, were applied at 1–2 kg per planting pit to improve moisture retention and support tree growth. Field trials with over 400 seedlings showed 50–70% greater growth in fertilized poplars and 100% higher water retention in boxwood under drought stress. The fertilizers are made from locally available, sustainable materials in the Czech Republic and Europe, supporting climate-resilient reforestation. Funded by the European Union.