Application of microbial compost additive for recultivation - case of abandoned land

Farmers commonly use manure, slurry, digestate or compost, but these materials are often not fully matured and can cause nutrient losses and environmental pollution. The technology developed by Marcel Mézy helps farmers speed up composting by adding Bactériolit, a fine organic powder with a mineral carrier, at a rate of 1–3 kg per tonne of organic material (producers´ recommendation). With this microbial activator, composting time shortens from more than a year to 1–3 months. The process reduces nitrate and ammonia losses, improves compost quality, and supports soil life that builds stable humus deeper in the soil profile. The technology works with naturally occurring composting microorganisms, including aerobic, facultative and anaerobic species, and does not require compost turning. This allows farmers to reduce machinery use, lower costs, and simplify compost management. Using gravel-washing sludge, reclaimed topsoil, and biologically activated compost together can successfully bring severely degraded land back into production and can be used as a practical model for similar sites. The approach can be used to cut fungicide use and irrigation needs and reduces nutrient losses to air, groundwater and soil. It boosts humus formation and supports carbon sequestration. Treatment costs stay low, at about €4.7–5 per tonne of manure, compost, slurry or digestate.