Regenerating Soil: Innovation for a Sustainable Future
STOREROOM (FaST sOil REstoration with biochaR as a micrObiOMe carrier) is a scientific research project that explores the use of biochar as a microbiome carrier to transfer microbial biodiversity from healthy soils to degraded soils. This innovative technique aims to regenerate soil quality, improve plant growth, and restore ecological balance.
STOREROOM, sustainability and biodiversity improvement.
Thanks to the potential of biochar, which has already proven effective in increasing soil health and fertility, STOREROOM opens new perspectives for the restoration of agricultural and urban ecosystems.
This cutting-edge technique not only combats agricultural and urban soil degradation, but also promotes ecosystem resilience, environmental sustainability, and actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting biodiversity.
aboutus
The STOREROOM project stems from the synergy between two centers of excellence in southern Italy: the University of Bari (UNIBA) and the University of Salerno (UNISA).
The research groups involved, although led by young scientists, boast international recognition for their expertise in molecular regulation, metabolic and morpho-physiological aspects of plants, both model and cultivated, and in the advanced study of the microbiome, including in relation to plants, under optimal and stress conditions.
With a solid scientific background, researchers from both universities have contributed numerous significant publications, exploring the effects of abiotic stress, microbial community dynamics, and morpho-physiological responses of plants to diverse environmental stimuli.
Prof. Mattia Terzaghi
Professor of General Biology at the University of Bari is the coordinator of the STOREROOM project and local coordinator for DBBA-UNIBA.
He is responsible for several activities:
– Native soil analysis – Chemical-physical characterization of soil
– Degraded soil analysis – Chemical-physical characterization of soil
– Conditioned biochar analysis – Chemical-physical characterization of soil
– Treated soil analysis – Chemical-physical characterization of soil
– Plant analysis – Measurements of plant physiological and morphological traits
Additionally, he is responsible for coordinating communication and dissemination activities.
Prof. Francesco Guarino
Associate Professor in General Botany at the University of Salerno is the local coordinator for DCB-UNISA of the STOREROOM project.
He is responsible for several activities:
– Native soil analysis – Characterization of microbial biodiversity and enzymatic biological activities
– Degraded soil analysis – Characterization of microbial biodiversity and enzymatic biological activities
– Conditioned biochar analysis – Characterization of microbial biodiversity and enzymatic biological activities
– Treated soil analysis – Characterization of microbial biodiversity and enzymatic biological activities
The Project and our Research
Microbial Biodiversity Restoration
Promote the biological rebalancing of degraded soils by transferring beneficial microorganisms from healthy soils through pre-conditioned biochar, contributing to regenerating the microbial activity essential for soil fertility.
Soil Quality Improvement
Optimize water retention, nutrient availability, and structural stability of soil through the use of biochar, to promote plant growth and combat erosion and soil degradation.
Sustainable Solutions for Agriculture and Urban Areas
Apply biochar as an ecological tool to restore the quality of agricultural and urban soils, reducing environmental impact, greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting more resilient ecosystems.
How Does it Work?
Biochar Preparation
Biochar is pre-conditioned in a healthy ecosystem, enriching it with beneficial microorganisms to increase its effectiveness in restoring degraded soil.
Application to Degraded Soil
Biochar is applied to compromised agricultural and urban soils, with the objective of regenerating microbial biodiversity and improving soil quality.
Monitoring and Analysis
After application, microbial biodiversity, plant growth, and chemical-physical properties of soil are examined to evaluate the benefits and long-term impact of the treatment.
Species Studied
Research Centers Involved
Years of Research
Impact and Benefits
STOREROOM actively contributes to the fight against soil degradation with tangible benefits:
Scientific
Improvement of understanding of microbial biodiversity and the role of biochar in soil regeneration.
Agronomic
Enhancement of fertility and productivity of agricultural soils.
Environmental
Reduction of degradation, protection of biodiversity, and absorption of greenhouse gases.
Urban
Restoration of urban green spaces and improvement of soil quality.
Contacts and Collaborations
Are you a researcher, company, or organization interested in exploring innovative solutions for soil restoration?
STOREROOM is open to scientific collaborations and partnerships for concrete applications and shared studies. Contact us for more information, to discover project details, or to evaluate new cooperation opportunities.
This innovative technique aims to regenerate soil quality, improve plant growth, and restore ecological balance.