Kristīne Irtiševa, post-graduate student at Riga Technical University (RTU) Faculty of Materials Engineering and Applied Chemistry, develops an innovative soil enrichment technology using the treasure from Latvian bogs – peat.
“Latvia has plenty of peat resources, but they could be used more effectively by creating products with high added value,” believes K. Irtiševa.
Having previously researched uses of sapropel and biocoal, she is now working on ways to use the valuable substances contained in peat in soil enrichment. Through cavitation and extraction methods, a concentrated humus solution is obtained from peat. When diluted to certain concentrations, it is suitable for use with farming sprinkler systems,” Irtiševa explains. Meanwhile, residual substances can be used to make granules that can also be used for soil improvement. Unlike traditionally used fertilizers such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, humus solution can be used regardless of season,” she continues. Usage is also very broad – it can be used for watering houseplants and greenhouse tomatoes, as well as for soil improvement in large farming areas. “Humus is a biostimulator. It creates a beneficial environment, improving soil fertility, nutrient circulation, soil chemical and physical properties – it reduces soil acidity, prevents it from drying out quickly and increases organic compound content,” emphasizes K. Irtiševa. Humus solution has already been provided to households and farms for experimental use.
Irtiševa has partnered with Bulduri Horticultural School to conduct experiments in open fields and greenhouses as well as to test the product in combination with hydroponic and aeroponic methods – growing plants without soil. The tests will help prepare scientifically justified recommendations for optimally efficient usage of the solution. Development of sustainable technology for humus solution production is the theme of K. Irtiševa’s thesis. She also plans to commercialise the technology – for that purpose, she is starting a start-up company named “Humico”. In the future, the company might also work on other technologies and products that, according to K. Irtiševa, will “promote green growth”. To develop the scientifically rigorous business idea, K. Irtiševa is using the opportunities provided by RTU Student Innovation Grant Programme. She has participated in a commerce training program for scientists “Co.Lab” and successfully taken part in the first season of “University Incubator” – a project jointly conducted by University of Latvia (LU) and RTU. “I received valuable business advice from local and international level mentors and 5000 Euro financial support for product development. The funds will be used to produce a new humus solution batch to continue scientific testing,” reveals K. Irtiševa. Her scientific work and product development is supported by professor Jurijs Ozoliņš and researcher Andrejs Šiškins (RTU Institute of General Chemical Engineering) and professor Māris Kļaviņš (LU Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences).
Publication: https://www.db.lv/zinas/par-rtu-padomes-priekssedetaju-ievelets-andris-vanags-506537