What happens if by-products generated in agriculture are treated not as a problem but as an opportunity? What if green waste and sewage sludge are not sent to landfills but instead returned to the natural cycle? A company based in Bonyhád set out to answer these questions—and by the end of a complex development program, it delivered tangible results.
The goal of Human-Perspektiva Ltd. was to develop a new, innovative, nutrient-rich compost product using advanced technology. The INNOVA Pelso Blue Project began at the end of 2019 and, after two years of research and development, reached the stage of product authorization.
At the heart of the project was an extensive series of experiments. Experts constructed 72 experimental compost windrows, testing different raw material combinations and technological solutions. The experiments used green waste, dewatered sewage sludge, and various additives to determine which mixtures would produce the highest-quality final product.
The work was built on careful planning. A research plan developed at the beginning of the project defined the composition of each windrow, the steps of the composting and maturation process, and the physical and chemical parameters that needed continuous monitoring. The entire “life cycle” of each windrow was documented in detailed logs, while laboratory analyses enabled objective comparisons—from the raw materials to the finished compost.
International expertise also supported the development process. Specialists from the German company BED Bio-Elite-Dünger were involved, providing on-site and online consultations to help refine the technology.
By the end of the experimental phase, four compost formulations had been developed that can be produced efficiently under operational conditions. Three additive-enhanced versions and one additive-free variant successfully passed the product authorization process. These compost products— Soil Doctor Plus (Talajdoktor Plusz), Soil Doctor Bio (Talajdoktor Bio), Soil Doctor E (Talajdoktor E), Soil Doctor BED—are supported by a detailed technological protocol.
The development aligns closely with the goals of the circular economy and sustainable agriculture: reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, increasing soil humus content, and contributing to carbon sequestration. At the same time, the technology offers a practical solution for utilizing larger quantities of green waste and sewage sludge by returning them to agriculture as valuable nutrient sources.
The INNOVA Pelso Blue Project demonstrates how a research and development initiative can evolve into a genuine, market-ready innovation—supporting environmental protection, strengthening sustainable agriculture, and serving the long-term interests of economic stakeholders.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project GINOP-2.1.2-8-1-4-16-2018-00656 under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
