The CTC Technology Center leveraged the general assembly of the European AGRO4AGRI project to showcase progress in developing controlled-release fertilizer systems using various nanotransporters. This breakthrough has enabled a solution capable of releasing plant nutrients for 9 days in water assays and up to 22 days in soil assays. These results underscore the potential of such technologies to enhance fertilizer use efficiency and advance precision and sustainable agriculture.
Inmaculada Ortiz, CTC researcher, and Ángel Yedra, manager of the Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials area, presented this work to the project consortium members. This research line is part of Work Package 3 and is strategically vital within AGRO4AGRI. Combining inorganic nanotransporters—such as nano-clays and porous silica nanoparticles—with organic alternatives based on biochar derived from forest biomass via pyrolysis ensures the continuous use of natural-origin products that pose no environmental impact and may even benefit plant growth and development.
The in-person follow-up meeting and General Assembly of AGRO4AGRI, held on April 28-29, 2026, at SIPCAM OXON facilities near Milan, brought together all project partners at a pivotal midpoint in this 48-month European initiative focused on nano- and bio-based materials for sustainable agriculture. In this context, CTC reaffirmed its position as a leading technology partner through the prominent participation of Ángel Yedra and Inmaculada Ortiz, representing the center’s contributions in a crucial session to review results, share advances, and define next stages.
Beyond the technical presentation, CTC’s agenda featured intensive coordination with consortium partners. Yedra and Ortiz held bilateral meetings with SYDDANSK UNIVERSITET,Center for Life Cycle Engineering (SDU LCE)on life cycle assessments; with MIRAT, AINIA and Proefcentrum Hoogstraten (PCH),to prepare solution scaling; and with Technical University of Denmark (DTU),on toxicology aspects.[
The meeting also facilitated updates on project work packages, including management, nematicides, formulation, pilot demonstrations, sustainability evaluations, and communication/exploitation activities. Meanwhile, coordinator AINIA provided administrative updates, while IHS led a reflective workshop on the social dimensions of innovation. Attendees toured SIPCAM’s production plant and labs. The assembly concluded by outlining challenges for the project’s second half, where CTC will continue delivering high-value solutions.
The Horizon Europe AGRO4AGRI project launched on May 28-29, 2024, in Paterna, Spain, with a 48-month timeline. It aims to deliver innovative, Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) solutions for plant nutrition and protection, reducing agrochemical use and minimizing environmental impacts.
The consortium comprises 12 beneficiaries from seven countries, coordinated by AINIA (ES), including Centro Tecnológico CTC (ES), University of Southern Denmark – SDU (DK), Technical University of Denmark – DTU (DK), Fundación Cajamar (ES), Proefcentrum Hoogstraten (BE), SIPCAM OXON (IT), Institute for Advanced Studies Vienna – IHS (AT), Syspro (ES), Mirat, FI Group (PT/ES), and associated partner Optimat (UK).
Funded with €5.3 million from Horizon Europe, the research will boost EU industrial competitiveness and leadership in the agri-food sector, aligning seamlessly with the European Green Deal, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Farm to Fork Strategy, and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
