Accelerated greening of salt heaps: K+S and Plantilizer launch pilot project

RootCamp specializes in identifying tailored startup solutions to address specific corporate challenges, bridging the gap between innovative startups and established enterprises through a venture clienting model. As a strategic enabler, RootCamp facilitates real-world pilot projects that empower corporates to drive innovation while offering startups direct access to complex industry needs and valuable market entry points.

The next project in this framework connects our partner K+S with Plantilizer, a startup from Batch #6. Over the coming months, they will assess whether Plantilizer’s technology can help reduce runoff from K+S’s salt heaps.

Corporate challenge

Salt heaps, a byproduct of fertilizer production, pose a significant challenge in the form of costly leachate runoff during rainfall. Vegetating these salt piles to promote water transpiration offers a promising mitigation strategy. However, the top layer - composed of incineration bottom ash - creates a harsh substrate with limited water retention and phosphorus availability driven by its highly alkaline nature, thereby hindering plant establishment and growth.

Solution

RootCamp startup Plantilizer, in partnership with the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, is developing a novel biochar-based solution tailored for marginal soils. By embedding targeted microorganisms into a cost-effective biochar, which is derived from wastewater treatment plants, the nutrient bioavailability ís enhanced and improves the substrate conditions on salt heaps. A controlled greenhouse pot trial will evaluate the efficacy of microorganism-enriched biochar in promoting early-stage plant growth under conditions replicating the salt heap substrate.

Outcome

This project aims to minimize leachate generation from salt heaps by accelerating the establishment of stable vegetation cover. Through enhanced transpiration, the vegetation will reduce leachate output and foster the development of a resilient ecosystem on these sites.

Find out more about our venture clienting services and other pilot projects on our website.