23 Mar Full program and open enrolment for the 2nd PhytoSUDOE summer course (Vitoria-Gasteiz, 13 and 14 July 2017)
The 2nd PhytoSUDOE summer course “New trends in restoration of degraded soils: energy crops and phytomanagement in a model of Circular Economy” will be held in Vitoria-Gasteiz the 13th and 14th of July, 2017.
Registration is available through the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) summer courses´ webpage (Link). Enrolment price reductions until the 31st of May.
The full program can be consulted here: Summer Course Program 2017
Diptych in English: Diptych_English_2017
Introduction:
In the restoration of degraded soils, phytoremediation techniques that combine different crops are increasingly being used. Forest plantations to obtain biomass or wood are being alternated with energy crops (biodiesel) or green fertilizers, which reduce the consumption of petroleum derived products. The tendency is to promote the phytomanagement of these spaces to obtain products with economic value while maximizing the ecosystem benefits of the restoration process. This course aims to explore models of phytomanagement in degraded spaces from the point of view of circular economy. It will show experiences that seek carbon neutral cycles, either by deriving agroforestry products to a green economy (biomass, biodiesel, …) or by recycling the by-products that are generated (plant remains, ashes, compost) in the restoration process itself or into other final products. The program will be divided during the first day into three thematic blocks: forest crops, agricultural crops and agroforestry systems in which, after offering a theoretical framework of general context, practical cases and international experiences of interest will be presented. The second day will cover possible uses of agroforest products or residues under a circular economy model.
Objectives:
- Spread the concept of phytomanagement and bioeconomics.
- To know the experiences of energy utilization (biomass, biofuel) of species used in phytoremediation.
- To delve in the recirculation of materials and reduction of residues, within the concept of Circular Economy.
- Design economic regeneration models for peri-urban areas and the rural environment.
- Investigate new economic alternatives for the primary sector.