Research Projects in Progress
SS05010243 - Research on the combination of vegetative strips with vertical agrivoltaic systems as part of agri-environmental-climate measures supporting biodiversity. David Hájek. 2022-2024.
The aim of the project is to research a combination of vegetative strips with a vertical agrivoltaic system and its contibution to biodiversity in the agricultural landscape while increasing the economic attractiveness of vegetative strips through the generation of renewable electricity. Vegetative strips will be sown by mixtures of grasses and nectar-bearing plants according to the principles of agri-environment-climate measures and vertical photovoltaic panels will be installed in these strips. The changes in the biological diversity of plants and insects, the impact on crops and the performance of the power plant will be monitored. Output will be documents for amendments to legislative regulations and recommendations for agricultural practice.
QK21010151 - Obtaining vegetable oils using modern methods. Jiří Souček. 2021-2024.
The aim of the project is to design and verify technology for the processing of special minority oilseeds for use in the food industry and industry. Based on laboratory tests and measurements to develop a technological line using modern methods of obtaining high quality oils using new knowledge in the field of GPTs. To increase the application of the Czech production of minority oilseeds and the competitiveness of the Czech producer of technologies for their processing. From the point of view of sustainable agricultural production, the aim is to increase the share of special oilseeds in sowing procedures and thus support the diversity of cultivated crops.
QK21020121 - Determination and balance of specific greenhouse gases emissions originate from growing and post-harvest processing of agricultural crops. Martin Dědina. 2021-2023.
Aim of the project is a calculation of the typical greenhouse gases emissions expressed as CO2ekv / kg (carbon footprint) originating from main agricultural crops grown in single NUTS 2 of the Czech Republic. Typical carbon footprint of grown crops will be calculated based on transparent and accurately documented sources of activity data. This typical carbon footprint will include a completed technology of crop growing, it means soil preparation, sowing, crop maintenance, harvest, transport and postharvest processing, manipulation and storage of crop. A verified methodology for carbon footprint calculation in compliance with RED Directive requirements will be source of data for carbon footprint calculator utilizable directly in agricultural plants under conditions of the Czech Republic.
QK22020032 - Analysis and modifications of compost application schemes aimed at strengthening of the soil protection system within the stabilization of production capability. Petr Plíva. 2022-2024.
The aim of the project will be to support the effect and quality of stable organic matter in the form of compost, identify key parameters and behavior of compost during soil surface application in terms of emissions, safety and health risks with the intention of reducing compost application costs. Objective results will have either positive or negative impact on the soil environment and production of cultivated crops and also methods for evaluating the effect of surface-applied compost with all the consequences that may occur during its utilization. The results will be the tool for an eventual change in legislation in the case of compost application conditions in agricultural practice.
EG20_321/0024949 - Alternative use of waste from viscose yarn production. Daniel Vejchar. 2021-2023.
Glanzstoff Bohemia, s.r.o. is currently addressing alternative options for reducing the amount of hazardous waste from the production of viscose fiber, which is currently in the amount of approx. 1000 tons per year. Based on laboratory tests, it was found that one of the suitable variants is its thermal stabilization with a suitable stabilizing component. Due to the composition of this waste and its amount of biogenic elements, a variant of treatment with a suitable additive to form a harmless soil supplement is offered. Glanzstoff Bohemia, s.r.o. is currently addressing alternative options for reducing the amount of hazardous waste from the production of viscose fiber, which is currently in the amount of approx. 1000 tons per year. Based on laboratory tests, it was found that one of the suitable variants is its thermal stabilization with a suitable stabilizing component. Due to the composition of this waste and its amount of biogenic elements, a variant of treatment with a suitable additive to form a harmless soil supplement is offered. This will significantly reduce the waste produced by Glanzstoff Bohemia s.r.o. and the overall impact of society on the environment. In contrast to the current treatment of this waste, re-incorporation of carbon and other biogenic elements into agricultural soils will be achieved by reintroduction into the soil, which will significantly contribute to the sustainability of the whole process.
EG20_321/0024372 - Alternative feedstock for biomethane production. Jiří Bradna. 2021-2023.
The aim of the project is the development of a new technology that will enable the processing of hitherto non-traditional waste raw materials in biogas plants. The technology will be based on chemical-thermal pre-treatment of difficult-to-decompose waste raw materials so as to ensure their compatibility with the standard fermentation process, resp. biogas production. The expansion of the raw material portfolio for biogas plants is a key factor in the operational and economic sustainability of these energy sources.
SS01020263 - Improvement water retention in dry areas of the Czech Republic with the aim of supporting the planting landscaping trees on anthropogenic soils. Petr Hutla. 2021-2023.
Development and verification of special granulated organic fertilizers (SGOF) on the basis of biogas station (BGS) separate with other biomass components to positively influence soil properties, especially increasing water retention. To achieve knowledge for the use of special granulated organic fertilizers on the basis of BGS separate for planting woody plants.
EG19_262/0020183 - Compact energy unit based on rapid thermal decomposition of organic materials. Petr Hutla. 2020-2024.
The subject of the project is the creation of a compact energy unit - an energy block based on the rapid thermal decomposition of organic materials for the thermal treatment of selected wastes with the production of chemicals and energy generation.
New Research Projects in 2023
QK23020011 - Development of strategies to reduce greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions from livestock in the Czech Republic. Miroslav Češpiva. 2023-2025.
The project has three main objectives. The first is the development of nutrition strategies that will lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions in ruminants, i.e., animals that contribute to emissions most significantly. Part of the first objective is an insight into the mechanism of action of strategies through observing the effect on the composition of the rumen microbiome using molecular genetic methods. The second objective is to develop and implement technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from manure management. The third objective is to update the data input to the national inventory of emissions from cattle, mainly nutrient digestibility values that are currently outdated.
QK23020107 - Research of new growing methods of fruit species in the combined use of agricultural land with the production and local use of electricity from renewable sources. David Hájek. 2023-2025.
The aim of the project is to research and verify new methods of growing fruit species within the framework of the combined use of land for growing crops and producing electricity from renewable sources, the so-called agrivoltaics. The effect of installed photovolt. panels on the production and prosperity of cultivated crops, especially Rubus a Ribes, will be monitored, compared to the reference area. The energy obtained will subsequently be used for the automation and robotization of field work or the irrigation of cultivated crops. A methodology for growers will be developed based on verified measurement results and used methods. It will enable the development of a new concept of agrivoltaics for permanent crops in the conditions of the Czechia together with the peer-reviewed articles.
FW06010426 - Advanced hot-water boiler technology for burning residual forest dendromass. David Andert. 2023-2025.
The aim is to develop and manufacture a prototype of a new type of automatic boiler designed to burn raw wood chips with an output of up to 200 kW. The boilers will be suitable for heating apartment buildings or administrative buildings in scattered buildings in places without natural gas distribution. It will be possible to connect boilers to cascade assemblies up to an output of 1 MWheat. A separate burner can be used to convert existing non-compliant solid fuel boilers (eg VSB IV).
FW06010647 - Development and production of robotic weeding equipment with intelligent weed recognition according to the principles of Industry 4.0. Jiří Bradna. 2023-2026.
The aim of the project is the development and subsequent production of additional agricultural machinery to bring the cultivation of BIO products (especially BIO vegetables) closer to wider range of farmers and thus reduce the use of herbicides in vegetable fields. Fulfillment of the goal will be achieved with the help of mechanical removal of weeds not only between rows, but especially by cultivating weeds between plants in row, in suitable vegetation stage of the selected cultivated crop. System of cameras with subsequent program analysis of images using neural network models will be used to identify the target crop. There will be significant reduction in unwanted weeds with minimal damage to selected crops. Developed machine accessory could be used for more crops types.
FW09020047 - Innovative anti-erosion technologies in broad-row crops. Radek Pražan. 2023-2025.
The aim of the project is the research and development of two machine prototypes for the hybrid anti-erosion technology for growing wide-row crops with regard to precision agriculture, which will ensure more efficient use of rainwater, limit soil erosion and reduce economic and total energy inputs associated with current climate change challenges. Another goal of the project is to support activities that will provide objective information regarding the benefits of innovatived cultivation technology in the form of verified cultivation technology, including methodology. Ultimately, the goal of the project is to increase the utility value of existing and new machines of the company CERNIN-DILY Ltd. and ensure their application within the European and Eastern markets.
TK05020147 - Heat storage technology based on PCM Glauber salt. Jiří Bradna. 2023-2025.
The goal of the project is the development and subsequent verification of a functional technology for the accumulation and subsequent sharing of low-potential heat based on the principle of using the energy of the phase transition of Glauber's salt (Na2SO4 . 10H2O), which takes place at a temperature of 32.4°C with a thermal capacity of 250 kJ/kg. The advantage of this temperature is its biological compatibility and the possibility of its direct use to provide heat in residential houses or agricultural buildings. By a suitable combination with heat sources, e.g. PV, solar collector, it will be possible to accumulate this energy during daylight hours and then release it in a controlled manner according to the consumer's request, at intervals of days to weeks.
SS06010441 - Greenhouse gases emissions from wastewater treatment plants and their reduction options. Miroslav Češpiva. 2023-2026.
The main goal of the project is to define the conditions under which the WWTPs can be operated with lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining sufficient wastewater treatment efficiency, based on testing on a model/semi-operational device (i.e. modeling operational parameters). The next goal of the project is to measure emissions of CH4 and N2O from real municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Based on these measurements, emission factors for individual gases will be determined, which will subsequently contribute to the refinement of national greenhouse gas inventories for the relevant source category. The measurements will be carried out mainly on the technologies that are most represented in the Czech Republic and have significant share in the volume of treated wastewater.
Projects of Long-Term Conceptional Development
Technologies for precision, conventional and ecological agriculture in crop production and related fields.
Research of considerate and smart technologies for livestock production with an emphasis on welfare, energy saving, environmental protection, automation and long-term sustainability.
Research of advanced renewable energy sources with respect to carbon farming, bioeconomy and circular economy.
Increasing the quality of agricultural products, post-harvest treatments and storage methods with respect to environmental and energy requirements.
New methods and techniques of using materials based on biological materials, RES.
New procedures, technologies and logistics for the use of biological waste, secondary and residual raw materials in agriculture and industry.