FOREST4EU Booklet Extended Summaries - Innovation Topic Hub 4: Non-Wood Forest Products

EXTENDED SUMMARIES ITHub 4 Non-Wood Forest Products ITHub 4 – Non-wood forest products (36 extended summaries) Overview of the extended summaries of ITHub 4. Title of innovation Operational Groups (short name) Country 1 Resin Data Observatory GO RESINLAB Spain 2 Mechanised resin extraction method GO RESINLAB Spain 3 Identification of compounds of industrial interest GO Pinus Resina Portugal 4 Post harvest cotings from mushroom by products Micocoating Portugal 5 Valuate the traditional chestnuts production VolorCast Portugal 6 The Burgundy truffle, a quality product with high added value OG BIJOU France, Bourgogne Franche Comté 7 Fertilization recommendations for cork oak OG NUTRISUBER Portugal 8 Brochure for the collection of soil samples in cork oak forests OG NUTRISUBER Portugal 9 Brochure for the collection of soil samples in stone pine OG FERTIPINEA Portugal 10 Pinea ClimaDAT. A tool for pinion harvest prediction OG PINEA SPAIN 11 Smartbasket. An app for mushroom lovers OG MIKOGEST SPAIN 12 Visor Mikogest OG MIKOGEST SPAIN 13 Mushroom collectors association OG MIKOGEST SPAIN 14 App Micontrol OG MIKOGEST SPAIN 15 Exchange between chestnut growers OG INGECA Italy 16 Integrated management of resources (water and soil) in nuts production EGIS Portugal 17 Biological Treatment of cancer chestmenut (Cryphonectria parasitica) in Portugal Bio-ChestnutIBM Portugal 18 Mobile kiln prototype for local biochar production GO INGECA Italy 19 Endotherapic treatments with Trichoderma spp. to control fungal diseases in chestnut groves OG INGECA Italy 20 Methodology for plantations ClimCast Portugal 21 Valorization of a neglected plant SambucusValor Portugal 22 Valorization of dried nuts with hard skin ValNuts Portugal 23 Mechanised cork extraction method OG SUBER SPAIN 24 Quality cork guide OG SUBER SPAIN 25 Mechanised resin extraction method OG ACREMA SPAIN 26 Wood-resin compatibility model. OG ACREMA SPAIN 27 Analytical techniques based on nir technology for the characterisation of resins and their derivatives. OG ACREMA SPAIN 28 New cork uses guide OG SUBER SPAIN 29 Establishing new business models with NWFP Bienwald (Bee forest) GERMANY 30 Interactive Pinus pinaster resin production simulator OG ACREMA SPAIN 31 Methods for managing cork oak forests with platype attacks from the Sor region (Process; technique) PLATISOR Portugal 32 Diversification of edible wild mushroom cultivation with new native species OG TEb Verd / BoletBenFet SPAIN 33 Improving productivity and sustainability of black truffle plantations by microbiological handling of the rhizosphere not found (project of 2015) SPAIN 34 Improvement of the technicaleconomic management of extensive livestock farms in the Catalan Pyrenees using geolocation and animal monitoring systems OG CLIM'AGIL SPAIN 35 Development of a system to remove TCA from cork stoppers using adsorbents and biosorbents OG TCA SPAIN 36 Evolution of oxygen transfer in the various cork stopper manufacturing conditions. Effect of this parameter on still and sparkling wine GO OTR SPAIN ITHub 4 - 1 Title of innovation Resin Data Observatory ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) GO RESINLAB Operational Group (name) Operative Group for the creation of new products, services and infrastructures adapted to the real needs of the natural resins sector. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two resin processing industries, representation of forest owners (2 entities, national and regional), resin producers' cooperative and two forestry technology centres. Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/grupo-operativo-resinlab-para-la-creaci%C3%B3nde.html Country, region, city Spain Type of innovation Service Keywords Non-wood forest product; Decisional Support System; Cooperation digital platform Approach and main results Throughout 2022 and 2023, GO Resinlab has worked, as one of its main objectives, on the construction of a tool for knowledge transfer, sector transparency, scientific and technical cooperation and decision support. This tool has finally materialised in the form of a collaborative digital platform called "Resin Data Observatory". This web platform gathers quantitative and qualitative information on the resin sector in Spain and seeks to meet the needs of the different stakeholders involved in the resin value chain. The Resin Observatory is structured in four main blocks: (i) Databases on harvesting for consultation and a geographical viewer. (ii) A network of experts who provide the observatory with data and information relevant to the sector. (iii) A repository of scientific, technical and dissemination publications that provide information on the resin sector. (iv) Digital tool for decision making and estimation of the profitability of the operation of the exploitation. (v) A section with news and current information on training, ongoing projects and other news of interest to the sector. The data panel section provides relevant information including a snapshot of the national situation in terms of trade in this raw material. Includes (i) Resin-producing areas (ii) Processing industries (iii) experimental plots for resin innovation (iv) Production by province (v) Resin prices (vi) P. pinaster area and potential forest area for tapping activity (vii) international trade data. Much of this information can also be consulted through the web viewer. Through this tool we can also identify the location and main results of the experimental plots where different trials for the technological improvement of resin extraction have taken place in the last 10 years. It is also worth highlighting the elaboration of an optimal potentiality map for Spain. This map is the result of a theoretical model that needs field work to verify its results. The knowledge repository shows more than 50 titles that can be consulted through different filtering methods that allow easy use. This section of the website will be constantly fed by the expert group that constitutes the platform core. The group of experts brings together more than 60 professionals who contribute knowledge and experience to feed this platform, generate knowledge transfer and scientific and technical cooperation and solve problems that new resin producers, owners or industry may have. These experts have signed collaboration agreements with this observatory to provide quality and stability to this tool. A subgroup of this group of experts called the Core Group (steering committee) is responsible for the tasks necessary for the correct functioning and veracity of the data shown, as well as for the communication and promotion of the observatory itself. Finally, the decision support tool is developed in order to help the three main actors in the resin value chain: resin producers, owners and the processing industry. It is organized in two distinct parts: on the one hand, it answers the main questions that may affect each of them in order to start their activity, receive aid or develop resin production in the most efficient and sustainable way. On the other hand, it offers a profitability calculator that will allow the resin worker and the forest owner to know if the resin activity will be profitable in the area where they want to establish it. This tool is also a living element in the care of the group of experts, so that over time it will incorporate new information that is considered useful. Lessons learned The development of this tool has highlighted some of the sector's weaknesses, such as the lack of transparency and lack of organization. In Spain this sector is small and underdeveloped, however, its potential to make our forests living, sustainably managed territories, reduce the risk of fire and contribute to the bioeconomy is indisputable. The development of this web site has required the collaboration of many resin sector stakeholders and many limitations have been detected in order to obtain reliable information. Furthermore, the dissemination of its existence and usefulness has been limited by the end of the project and it remains to be seen whether the acceptance, legitimacy and maintenance of the Observatory by potential users will be confirmed in the coming years. It has been identified that the active involvement of a minimum number of people representative of the sector is essential for the success of this tool, but it remains to be seen whether this will be achieved. A number of measures have been implemented by the project to minimize the risk of abandonment: commitment documents, organization of regular meetings and events. However, once the project has been completed, the project leaders will take a back seat to these tasks and it will be the actors in the sector themselves who will determine the future of the observatory. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://observatorioresinasnaturales.es/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 2 Title of innovation Mechanised resin extraction method ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) GO RESINLAB Operational Group (name) Operative Group for the creation of new products, services and infrastructures adapted to the real needs of the natural resins sector. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two resin processing industries, representation of forest owners (2 entities, national and regional), resin producers' cooperative and two forestry technology centres. Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/grupo-operativo-resinlab-para-la-creaci%C3%B3nde.html Country, region, city SPAIN Type of innovation Process Keywords Non-wood forest product, Multifunctional forest management Approach and main results The mechanized resin extraction system is proposed as an alternative to the traditional method in the study area that could be scalable at a national level. This method originated at the end of the 20th century in the USA, consists of drilling circular holes of different diameters and depths. The tissues in which the resin is stored (resin canals) are broken and the resin flows out as a consequence. In these holes, different resin collecting elements are installed, usually closed, unlike the traditional method. In this OG, the method is standardized with specific characteristics: the incisions are made with a circular drill with a diameter of 6 cm and in relation to the depth, bark and phloem are removed until reaching the depth where the xylem or wood begins, without penetrating it. Once the perforation has been made, a connecter with a hermetic bag is introduced, which will allow the resin to be collected with a higher degree of purity. To improve production, a stimulant is applied to the exposed area. The resin flow starts immediately after stimulation and can be prolonged over a period of several weeks. This drilling operation will be repeated over the months of the tapping season (about 6) every 21 days on average (these two parameters can be altered depending on site conditions). In the first two wounds, a connector and a bag were placed (day 1 and day 21). From the third hole onwards, the bags are moved from the first to the third and from the second to the fourth and so on. Only 2 bags are used for the whole resin period unless a new bag is needed because the resin collected volume exceeds the capacity of the bag. The main advantages of this method are: (i) Resin with a higher turpentine content and a lower percentage of contaminations. (ii) Elimination of pre-extraction debarking tasks. (iii) Simplification of worker training, facilitating the incorporation of new resin workers. (iv) Reduction of physical effort, facilitating the incorporation of women. (v) Greater compatibility with timber harvesting and thinning activities. Main disadvantages of the mechanized method: (i) Higher investment in materials (bags, appliqués, drill). (ii) Management of waste (bags and connectors). (iii) Lack of industrial development for the transformation of resin contained in bags (iv) Lower production yields (gr/tree). The results show a loss of production of around 20% compared to the traditional method measured in gr of resin per tree and season. This extraction method is still under study, but it is likely to become a reality in the short and medium term; for the moment, the mechanized method is not completely defined. The processing industries are not fully prepared to receive resin in bags due to the large amount of plastic waste generated and the complexity of the bag draining process, and there is still no clear market demand for a higher quality resin. In the light of these results, it should be noted that a full assessment of the cost-effectiveness of this mechanized process still requires an evaluation of factors that have not been taken into account, such as the execution times or the costs associated with each methodology. At the same time, the significant differences identified between the different study areas require increased efforts to assess the possible interactions with other climatic, soil or stand parameters that may explain the differences found. The project proposes the evaluation of such a technique in specific area and socio-economic contexts, as it is considered to be a good alternative to the traditional method in certain cases. However, the current results do not allow it to be considered as a mature method at present without taking into account the conditions described above. Lessons learned The generation of innovation in resin extraction processes requires long-term trials and a large number of individual specimens (trees) studied. Resin production is affected by numerous variables, including climatic, edaphic, dasometric and, of course, human factors. This means that in order to extrapolate an innovation in this field to different scenarios, it requires longer study periods than those currently provided by the OG. On the other hand, the complexity of scientific and technical cooperation has become manifest. Good communication of the real interests of the parties is essential for the success of these processes. On the scientific side, data collection in the field, which is carried out by the tapping workers, as well as the execution of the work, is essential to scientific work. Without reliable data, all research results will be useless. On the other hand, the researchers developing the experimental designs must know and communicate frequently and closely with the tapping workers or the designs cannot be realistically implemented. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://vimeo.com/754512934/3447f5cb73 fermentation (caps and stipes from fruiting bodies, mycelium from SMS and SMS) or from submerged liquid fermentation (fermentation broth and surplus mycelium). Contact information João Nunes ([email protected]) Links to website/report/video http://www.micnatur.pt/ Pictures Workflow of the extraction of bioactive products from mushrooms ITHub 4 - 5 Title of innovation Valuate the traditional chestnuts production ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) SOLUTOPUS Operational Group (short name) ValorCast Operational Group (name) ValorCast – Valorização da castanha e otimização da sua produção Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer Producers, universities, associations, enterprises from agrifood value chain, imagery techniciens interests groups or other NGOs) Link from OGs database https://www.utad.pt/gpfe (indirect) Country, region, city Portugal/ Trás-os-Montes Type of innovation Process Keywords Food quality/processing and nutrition; forestry; Supply chain, market and consumption, Waste, by-products and residues management Approach and main results Approach: This project aimed at improving the chestnut mechanical harvesting process, improving the preservation of nut quality between harvesting and the consumer, as well as promoting other presentation forms of nuts for consumption in kind. The objectives were: 1) to improve the chestnut mechanical harvesting process.; 2) to improve the preservation of nut quality between harvest and consumer, by (a) developing a new disinfestation method as an alternative to the current one (thermal shock) that it is inadequate to current business requirements; and (b) creating a protocol for an efficient fungal control during the chestnut storage at room temperature or in the cold room, allowing to prolong its commercialization and consumption period in an effective and efficient way; and (c) find a way to minimize water loss from the chestnut. 2) Promoting other ways of presenting chestnuts for consumption in kind, such as smoked chestnut and soft chestnut, or in the form of flour, which allows the appearance of the chestnut in a larger market scale due to its incorporation in derived products such as bread, biscuits, beer, etc. Results: 1) Harvestingwhen the soil of the grove is very humid and covered with thick dead blanket, there is an increment of elemental time inoperative (from 8.7% to 12,04% of the total time), which may impair the ability to work. However, in the tests carried out, increment did not result in loss of field efficiency which remained the same – 82%, a fact that is due to the percentage reduction in the elementary turning time between the rows and the percentage increase in the elementary harvest time. In regard to the warehouse cleaning and degreasing equipment, it was observed that: the working capacity of this equipment ranged from 1000 to 1500 kg/hourthe lowest values when the nut came from older groves and with more debris; the highest values were obtained in more recent groves and with less amount of debris. Also, there were aggregates harvested with the fruits that damage them, which makes necessary a second cleaning of the harvested production and a manual selection, before delivery to the industry. 2) Post-harvest vermin control and essay of prototype - due to the technical difficulties associated to the adjustment of the prototype, no scientific conclusions were extracted. 3) Chestnut rotHydrophobic coatings based on paraffin and beeswax were very effective in preventing water loss when nuts were stored in forced conditions (room temperature). In sensory terms, chestnuts coated with paraffin or beeswax were similar to chestnuts before from storage. The use of volatile additives with antimicrobial capacity can be a solution to reduce the loss of chestnuts by microbial growth (rot). 4) PackagingMAP, VAC and PM bags may be a promising solution in preventing weight loss and microbial growth. MAP and VAC packages are the most suitable for periods less than 3 months, while PM bags are the most promising for a long-term storage (6 months). These packages caused losses of fruit weight lower than 2% and did not lead to an increase in the microbial load. On the other hand, chestnuts not packaged or packed in bags macroperforated (PH) showed to be less effective, causing weight loss greater than 9% and mold development during storage. 5) Chestnut flour - presents itself as an ingredient promising for the development of fresh and dried pasta formulations. It imparts softness and lightness to recipes usually made only with wheat flour, but it also darkens the final product and alters other characteristics. The percentage most suitable in terms of incorporation of chestnut flour was 50%. 6) New productsthe chestnut sample with Tawny Port Wine and almonds was the best accepted on both sensory test sheets, both on the hedonic scale for the global appreciation parameters, color, aroma, texture and flavor as in the tests of purchase intention and preference ordering. Lessons learned The cost reduction provided by mechanized harvesting is considerable, when compared to manual harvesting. With studied mechanical harvesting systems it is possible to get considerable advantages like: the shortage of manpower for this operation; the significant cost reduction and the improvement of the health status of chestnut. Soil management is a relevant aspect for this operation. For an efficient harvest, the soil must have good vegetation cover and be free of aggregates and residues resulting from past farming practices. Mechanical harvesting is not compatible with mobilized groves. In relation to packaging, due to the high cost associated with packaging, plastic bags weighing 0.5 kg each and the hand of respective work, it is not competitive from an economic point of view to pack the chestnut in bag track weight loss. As an alternative, is advised an experience with a strong reduction in the costs of packaging, larger plastic bags and respective filling eventually automated. For chestnut processing, there were some interesting results (powder, fruit mix, patisserie, etc.) but more experiments are needed, as well as costs evaluation. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video ValorCast – Valorização da castanha e otimização da sua produção Suporte: impresso e digital ISBN: 978-989-53782-2-7 (Suporte: Papel) ISSN: 978-989-53782-6-5 (Suporte: Eletrónico) Pictures ITHub 4 - 6 Title of innovation The Burgundy truffle, a quality product with high added value ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CNPF Operational Group (short name) BIJOU Operational Group (name) BIJOU : The Burgundy truffle, a quality product with high added value Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) forest owners, researchers, advisors Link from OGs database Country, region, city France, Burgundy Type of innovation Product Keywords Forestry, Non-wood forest product, mushroom, Truffle, sylviculture, gastronomy Approach and main results The Burgundy truffle (Tuber uncinatum) is an important player in the regional economic market and is illustrated by the exponential planting of new truffle orchards. To promote an excellent quality product, markets have been set up over the past ten years to offer quality-controlled truffles. If the quality of the Burgundy truffle depends on its maturity, other factors can have an influence on the development of its aromas: local climatic variations, nature of the soil, microbiota of the truffle (bacteria, yeasts, viruses, etc.), its specific genetic characteristics or its method of conservation after harvest. The sector must also anticipate climate change and adapt truffle farming to more difficult and water-poor environments. The challenge is to increase and regularize quality agricultural and forestry production. STUDY TUBER UNCINATUM TO BETTER VALUE IT In order to develop competitive and sustainable truffle farming, the project was structured around three objectives: • Develop quality control tools for Burgundy truffles. Develop molecular tools for identifying the provenance of Burgundy truffles as well as sensory and physicochemical analyzes to better understand the origin and diversity of Burgundy truffle aromas. • Acquire references to cultivation techniques that anticipate climate change to optimize production in truffle orchards (temporarily floodable valley or on dry limestone plateau). • Develop sustainable silvicultural management to produce both wood and truffles. Develop a tool for predicting the distribution of truffles in forest environments; characterize the stations favorable to Burgundy truffles; evaluate the effects of silviculture (thinning experiments) on truffle production. Researchers from INRAE in Dijon (Center for Taste and Food Sciences and UMR Agroecology) carried out analyzes to characterize the aromatic complexity of Burgundy truffles. Sensory analysis sessions were also carried out by researchers from the ChemoSens platform. The results highlighted three “typical profiles” of Burgundy truffles: truffles characterized by more intense forest odors (button mushroom, undergrowth), more spicy odors (vanilla, smoked, pepper) and truffles presenting more negative odors (animal, earth, etc.). At the same time, researchers have developed methods and tools for the analysis of the chemical compounds responsible for the odor of Tuber uncinatum, as well as molecular tools making it possible to determine the geographical origin of the truffles. Two pilot truffle farms have been set up. The first in Leuglay, in a flood zone, and the second in La Cras, in a dry environment. On the La Cras site, analyzes of the roots of truffle trees and estimates of the mycorrhization rate were carried out. The results show good maintenance of the mycorrhization of 3 out of 4 species in conditions of major water deficit. Finally, a prediction model for areas favorable to Burgundy truffles based on LIDAR data was established. Its extension to the scale of a forest massif will be possible based on adequate digging data. Different methods of thinning coppices under high forests have been implemented. Their monitoring over time will make it possible to study the effects of forestry on truffle harvests. Lessons learned The project made it possible to develop a partnership approach rich in exchanges between the different stakeholders interested in recognizing the value of the Burgundy truffle among institutions and the general public. The IGP (controlled geographical indication) approach was not successful because research is still necessary to successfully differentiate the aetivum truffle from the autumnal uncinatum variety. The project made it possible to improve the recognition of the Burgundy truffle with the French Federation of Trufficulteurs. BIJOU has also encouraged better consideration of this truffle in management plans in private and public forests in order to promote forest heritage and produce added value to wood. The partners also recommend integrating the Burgundy Truffle into agroforestry projects. It is necessary to adapt regulations and require traceability of truffles to avoid the parallel market. Likewise, technical routes should also be shared to guarantee the development of the production of national truffles while the French market is flooded by Burgundy truffles from Eastern countries. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video http://www.artbfc.fr/ ITHub 4 - 7 Title of innovation Fertilization recommendations for cork oak ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) ANSUB Operational Group (short name) OG NUTRISUBER Operational Group (name) Nutrition and Fertilization of the cork oak forest - NUTRISUBER Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) 1 Forest Federation, 4 forest companies, 2 research institutions, Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/nutri%C3%A7%C3%A3o-efertiliza%C3%A7%C3%A3o-do-montado-de-sobro.html Country, region, city Portugal Type of innovation Service Keywords Fertilisation and nutrients management; Adaptation to climate change; Non-wood forest product Approach and main results Although the cork oak is one of the main forest species and the national tree of Portugal, there was not much information about fertilization recommendations for the development of this species. The practice was to carry out soil analyzes only for the installation of under-cover pastures, forgetting the arboreal component of the system. GO NUTRISUBER carried out the characterization of the soils of 30 cork oak forests and the monitoring of their fertility in the areas where the species occurs in greater density and where it is most economically exploited: Alentejo and Ribatejo. The soil, in addition to the water and air it contains, is made up of mineral and organic particles of various sizes that give it different characteristics, depending on whether one or the other dominates and, within these, whether the finest or the coarsest. In Portugal, most soils are mineral, that is, mineral matter is dominant, with very few organic soils (with contents greater than 15% of organic matter). From the point of view of plant nutrition, only the finest particles, with dimensions smaller than 2 mm – the so-called fine earth – are considered, and this is the fraction that is analyzed to assess the state of soil fertility. Some of the characteristics of the soil can be observed in the field, just by looking closely at its profile. Others, such as texture, organic matter and mineral nutrient content, reaction (pH) and cation exchange capacity, can only be evaluated through laboratory analysis. In addition to soil analyses, this work demonstrates the importance of leaf analysis of nutrients for understanding the true state of nutrition of cork oaks to allow giving recommendations for fertilization. Methodologies for collecting soil and leaf samples were defined in order to obtain more efficient results, and dissemination videos were made for technicians and forestry producers. Lessons learned The main result of this project was the creation of fertilization tables for different states of development of the cork oak forest stands: Stand installation phase; Young phase until the first stripping; Adulthood. All the information was compiled in a manual on cork oak fertilization, which describes the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soils in the cork oak forests. In addition, it makes a simple description of the forms and availability of soil nutrients for plants, creating a table that classifies the forest stand in fertility class (very low, low, medium, high and very high) according to chemical parameters such as phosphorus (P2O5), potassium (K2O) and magnesium (Mg). At the end, it presents the mentioned fertilization tables with the recommended amounts of fertilizer to apply for a correct fertilization of the Montado. These tables are based on the previously mentioned fertility classes that resulted from the analysis of soil samples and foliar samples, defining the amounts of nutrients to be applied per hectare. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://www.iniav.pt/images/publicacoes/livros-manuais/MANUALDE-FERTILIZACAO-DO-SOBREIRO.pdf Pictures ITHub 4 - 8 Title of innovation Brochure for the collection of soil samples in cork oak forests ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) ANSUB Operational Group (short name) OG NUTRISUBER Operational Group (name) Nutrition and Fertilization of the cork oak forest - NUTRISUBER Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) 1 Forest Federation, 4 forest companies, 2 research institutions, Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/nutri%C3%A7%C3%A3o-e-fertiliza%C3%A7%C3%A3odo-montado-de-sobro.html Country, region, city Portugal Type of innovation Service Keywords Fertilisation and nutrients management; Adaptation to climate change; Non-wood forest product Approach and main results The analysis of soil samples collected in cork oak forests allows knowing the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, constituting, together with foliar analysis, support for the most appropriate fertilization recommendation. However, although this practice is not new, it is not a practice followed by the majority of forestry producers, who, although viewing cork production as a lucrative economic activity, do not understand the need to analyze the nutritional status of forest stands and carry out necessary fertilization and soil amendments. The collection of soil samples must be carried out well in advance of the application of fertilizers, being advisable the period in which the soil has a moisture content that allows this operation to be carried out, which generally happens in autumn – winter. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two organizations representing private forest owners, a public research institute, a tecnologival center and mushroom businessmen federation Link from OGs database Grupo Operativo GO MIKOGEST: ‘Gestión dinámica innovadora del recurso micológico’ | EIP-AGRI (europa.eu) Country, region, city Spain Type of innovation Technological innovation Keywords Non-wood forest product; digital tool;Supply chain, market and consumption; smart-application Approach and main results The increasing activity of collecting and trading wild mushrooms has led many public administrations to regulate the use of mycological resources. Shortcomings have been detected in terms of legal regulation and the professionalization of collectors. As a result, this project (OG Pinea) seeks to manage the regulation of the mycological resource and proposes the use of technological tools. Priority is given to guaranteeing sustainability in harvesting, traceability in the value chain and generating useful information for both, the collector and the business sector. Among the different proposals developed by the OG, the Smartbasket application has been selected as an innovation. This tool is a data collection device. It is a pedagogical tool based on learning through gamification techniques, being a mobile technology and accessible to all users (GPS, camera, audio...). These techniques are based on learning that transfers the mechanics of games to the educational-professional field to achieve better results. In this case, the more collecting areas you register in your application, the higher your ranking will be compared to other users. In addition, you will be able to access a greater number of species identification queries. Smartbasket aims to involve society through Citizen Science tools. The aim is to stimulate active collaboration in the collection of field data from collectors and lovers of nature and the mycological resource, as well as to open a channel of information with society and raise awareness about the need to respect, care for and protect our mycological resource. Within the application we find the following features: USER ROLES: The possible user roles are: collector, identifier, collaborating professional and administrator. Each of them has access to various features of the app that facilitate their work. SETALS (collection areas): The app user can manage his collection areas through smartbasket, identifying species, location, date of sighting, etc. WARNINGS: The smartbasket warning functionality allows the user to report bad practices detected in the forest. It also allows the user to collaborate with the system by sending data related to the mushroom market, which become part of a BigData aimed at facilitating the sustainable management of the mycological resource. RANKING: As a recreational component, smartbasket recognizes the participation of the expert identifiers and that of the users, collected in ordered lists where the identification is only by the user's alias. Each user has also an account of credits that increases with his participation and use of smartbasket: each time a user participates in smartbasket, the number of credits increases. Each user also has a credit account that increases with his participation and use of smartbasket: each collected area, itinerary or notice adds credits to the user's account, which can be invested in requesting identifications. REQUEST RESOLUTION BY THE IDENTIFICATION EXPERT The request for identification of a species must be accompanied by one or more photographs taken at the collection site. The expert identifier has the capacity to identify species through the photographs sent by the user collector in the identification requests. Lessons learned The digital skills of the user collector are highly variable, as the activity is performed by a wide demographic profile. The data collection App has to have a design that is very simple and easily understandable by less digitally skilled users. Functionalities have to be developed that connect collectors to each other, for mutual transfer of knowledge and information. One initial difficulty is the reluctance of collectors to share information about their mushroom collecting areas, so prior work must be done to build trust and provide assurance that the data collected through this application are confidential, are not shared with other users and are for their exclusive use for analysis and research. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/vi deo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQ732Zp_J8&ab_channel=Funda cionCesefor Pictures ITHub 4 - 12 Title of innovation Visor Mikogest ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) MIKOGEST Operational Group (name) Operational Group MIKOGEST : 'Innovative dynamic management of the mycological resource'. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two organizations representing private forest owners, a public research institute, a tecnological center and mushroom businessmen federation Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/grupo-operativo-go-mikogest- %E2%80%98gesti%C3%B3n-din%C3%A1mica.html Country, region, city Spain Type of innovation Service Keywords Non-wood forest product; digital tool; Supply chain, market and consumption; Decisional Support System: Sustainible Forest Management Approach and main results One of the objectives of the operative group is to learn about and manage the regulation of the mycological resource using technological tools. Priority is given to guaranteeing sustainability in harvesting, traceability in the value chain and generating useful information for both the collector and the business sector. To this end, a Big Data collection and analysis system has been generated to provide the necessary information to guarantee the sustainability of both the activity and the habitats, offering precise knowledge of the production capacity of these habitats in real time (through estimates of the production in each place and time), and also processing precise parameters of the demand, commercialization and exploitation of the resource. Queries made on the Mycological Big Data database can be visualized through the mikogest viewer. This viewer is based on the collection and integration of all existing data from the mycological sector for Big Data analysis, designed to allow us to address, in an effective and useful way, the large volume of existing data in the natural environment and also those collected through the apps generated within the project. Its purpose is to improve the management of our mushroom producing forests. This viewer displays the Potential Fruiting Maps (PPM) of the selected mushroom specie. This potential fruiting area is classified according to the legend in Optimum, Adequate and Marginal according to the main and secondary forest species, its age, climatological criteria, edaphology and fraction of covered area. Information can be obtained, among others, on: POTENTIAL FRUCTIFICATION AREA (ha), ANNUAL PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY, AVERAGE MARKET PRICES. Information can also be obtained on: POTENTIAL AND OBSERVED MYCOLOGICAL DIVERSITY OF EDIBLE SPECIES. For the 11 species for which the potential fruiting map has been obtained, the Optimum, Adequate and Marginal surface is shown. In addition, it also shows the potential annual production capacity in kg, estimated from adjusted production models based on habitat-dependent variables and stand characteristics. Observed diversity refers to the number of times that species is known to be present in the administrative unit of work. OBSERVED PRODUCTION OF EDIBLE SPECIES: for the target species of socioeconomic interest for which a fruiting potential map is available, the number of observations recorded in the database is shown, as well as the average production calculated in kg per hectare and the average yield in kg per hour. PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY OF EDIBLE SPECIES: in this case we can see the annual amount harvested during the previous season and the estimated productive capacity. An indicator of the sustainability of the resource is also included so that it will appear green when the species is harvested without compromising the resource and orange when the species may be harvested with the risk of compromising its survival. FRUCTIFICATION PREDICTION: you can also see a prediction of fruiting production for the next few days for the target species. Thus, you can see whether an area has a very likely, likely, unlikely or improbable fruiting prediction for each of the 11 target species. Lessons learned The prediction models developed by the viewer require long series of data well distributed in time and territory. The development of the viewer itself is feasible for any computer expert. However, its implementation requires crossing several data layers, which are sometimes not available. The real complexity lies in the collection of this information needed to generate the viewer's outputs, such as fruiting potential maps or fruiting predictions. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/vide o https://visor.mikogest.net/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 13 Title of innovation Inter-territorial Association of Wild Mushroom Harvesting Professionals ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) MIKOGEST Operational Group (name) Operational Group MIKOGEST : 'Innovative dynamic management of the mycological resource'. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two organizations representing private forest owners, a public research institute, a tecnological center and mushroom businessmen federation Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/grupo-operativo-go-mikogest- %E2%80%98gesti%C3%B3n-din%C3%A1mica.html Country, region, city Spain Type of innovation Organisational innovation Keywords organisational innovation; Cooperation; business model; Supply chain, market and consumption Approach and main results Go Mikogest states that it is crucial to use the sectorial associationism as a tool to professionalize the primary sector of the mycological activity. With the growing activity of collecting and marketing mushrooms, most regional administrations have independently regulated their mycological exploitation. This lack of legislative homogeneity in the territory causes difficulties in the management of the mycological resource, among which the following have been detected: (i) Lack of coordination between the different sectors concerned. (ii) Lack of knowledge of mycological production in the territory, as well as its local economic impact. It is precisely the local collectors who obtain a large part of the mycological resource for subsequent sale. However, the lack of professionalism in this sector, most of them being sporadic collectors, forces a dispersion of the resource to other sales channels, making it very difficult to quantify collection data in producing areas. GO Mikogest's proposal to face this problem has been the creation and promotion of the Inter-territorial Association of Wild Mushroom Harvesting Professionals. The association's statutes have been drafted for their subsequent registration and constitution, accompanying these actions with the development of a training plan aimed at the professional collector. Thus, with the creation of this national professional association, it is intended to: (i) Achieve the professionalization of the group of collectors. (ii) To provide the necessary training for the unequivocal identification of edible species. (iii) To ensure the conservation of all mycological species. (iv) To prevent indiscriminate collection by people outside the municipality or locality. (v) To avoid the loss of the usual local collector. The association develops its activities throughout the Spanish territory, represents the wild mushroom collecting sector, and arises to defend and promote the economic and social interests that are proper to this activity, both in its individual and collective development. Membership is open to all individuals who hold the status of professional wild mushroom picker. Lessons learned To ensure the success of a partnership, in addition to encouraging its establishment, it is essential to have a period of accompaniment, which can last one or two years. This will allow the initiative to move beyond the initial start-up phase and give it a better chance of success Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://seteros.es/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 14 Title of innovation App Micontrol ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) MIKOGEST Operational Group (name) Operational Group MIKOGEST : 'Innovative dynamic management of the mycological resource'. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two organizations representing private forest owners, a public research institute, a tecnological center and mushroom businessmen federation Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/findconnect/projects/grupo-operativo-go-mikogest- %E2%80%98gesti%C3%B3n-din%C3%A1mica.html Country, region, city Spain Type of innovation Service Keywords Non-wood forest product; digital tool; Supply chain, market and consumption; Sustainible Forest Management Approach and main results This operational group pursues to manage the regulation of the mycological resource through tools based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), guaranteeing sustainability in the use of the mycological resource, traceability in the value chain and offering useful information to both the collector and the business sector. One of the problems identified in the mycological sector is related to the difficulty of harvesting control tasks. As an innovative solution, GO Mikogest has developed the Micontrol app, designed to facilitate the work of harvest control of the guards in the mycological areas. In addition, it captures data on the development of the harvesting activity through the quantities collected and yields by species with socioeconomic interest. This application has two objectives: - Facilitate the management of the environmental agent in the control of harvesting in his task of verifying that the activity is carried out according to the conditions of collection established in the enclosure. - Capture data of the harvesting activity. The app has been designed to be used by multiple users through any model of mobile device. A web space has also been developed for each user, from which they can manage the data of all their inspections, visualize them through GIS technology, access their images and verify the data of each inspection. The application has two different functionalities: 1Control of harvesting activity: With the harvesting control, it is verified that the activity is carried out according to the harvesting conditions established in the enclosure. The environmental agents carry out the inspection activity to the collectors, verifying that they have authorization (license) and that they respect harvestable species, sizes and quantities, being able to carry out the pertinent proceedings for the processing of complaints if the situation requires it. 2Inspection Manager: Micontrol is a manager of inspections carried out, which facilitates and organizes the work done in the field by the agents. The capture of the collector's personal data can be done manually, or through the capture of this data by means of a QR reader, which speeds up and prevents the data entered from being erroneous. This QR reader is only valid for enclosures that include this code in their harvesting permit. In addition, through the micontrol app, the rural guard, private field guard or civil guard-seprona, verifies in real time (with mobile coverage) fraud by falsification of harvesting permits. This functionality is only available for certain reserves, integrated in the Micocyl mycological exploitation system. The application sends a query to the database receiving a valid or unmatched permit message. The activity of harvesting control generates a very important volume of data about the harvesting that is being carried out in the territory. Micontrol enables a simple system for the capture and management of this data, contemplating the different scenarios faced by the agent in his control activity. Lessons learned The digital skills of the people who carry out the collection control are highly variable, so it is advisable that the data capture app has a very simple design that is easily understood by less digitally skilled users. It is important that any control that is performed on a collector takes as little time as possible, so that the use of this application is both attractive and convenient. If the monitoring process involves lengthy data collection over time, it may reduce interest in using the application. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://www.mikogest.net/pagina/micontrol Pictures ITHub 4 - 15 Title of innovation Exchange between chestnut growers ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) UNIFI Operational Group (short name) GO INGECA Operational Group (name) Strategie INnovative a basso impatto per la GEstione delle avversità dei CAstagneti da frutto Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Universities, chestnut farmers consortium, public operators, research institutions, chestnut transformation companies, biochar companies Link from OGs database https://www.innovarurale.it/it/pei-agri/gruppi-operativi/bancadatigo-pei/strategie-innovative-basso-impatto-la-gestione-delle Country, region, city Tuscany, Italy ITHub 4 - 18 Title of innovation Mobile charcoal pile prototype for biochar production in situ ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) UNIFI Operational Group (short name) INGECA Operational Group (name) Strategie INnovative a basso impatto per la GEstione delle avversità dei CAstagneti da frutto Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Universities, chestnut farmers consortium, public operators, research institutions, chestnut transformation companies, biochar companies Link from OGs database https://www.innovarurale.it/it/pei-agri/gruppi-operativi/bancadatigo-pei/strategie-innovative-basso-impatto-la-gestione-delle Country, region, city Tuscany, Italy Type of innovation Technological innovation Keywords Carbon stock, circular bioeconomy, Multifunctional forest management Approach and main results A prototype of vertical mobile charcoal kiln has been developed on a farm scale, with quite small dimensions, whose work for the charcoal-making operations is such that only one worker's day is sufficient. The transformation of chestnut cultivation residues into biochar and charcoal is a good practice from a phytosanitary point of view, and furthermore, this activity allows for increased profitability on a small company scale, mainly focused on forest owners. These products can be further valorised on the farm or sold to third parties, thus becoming an additional source of income from materials that would otherwise have to be disposed of. Other promising products are condensate liquids derived from the pyrolysis process. The prototype is structured with a vertical development, outlining a type of mobile kiln called ‘vertical kilns with discontinuous operation’, capable of operating in direct and indirect carbonization process. The input material can be in the form of wood with varying diameters and length reduced to approximately one metre, (direct or indirect system), but also chopped wood or other residues (indirect system), coming from the cultivation of the chestnut grove, but also supplied by other sources within the owner forest production, such as pruning residues of other fruit trees or residues of silvicultural operations. The product obtained therefore has characteristics, even if only dimensional ones, that are peculiar and therefore destined to be used in the production of chestnuts. The carbonisation that can be carried out in this prototype is a slow process that takes place at a low to medium temperature (below 500 °C), and is the system that yields a higher yield in solid product (charcoal), compared to rapid and/or high temperature pyrolysis systems (Bridgwater, 2007), an element that should not be underestimated at farm level. Lessons learned Considering the excellent results and the current need of chestnut growers to diversify and increase income, the mobile charcoal kiln has proved to be a machine capable of responding to the needs of chestnut farms, and the versatility of the direct and indirect system process also makes it suitable for all those farms that have agroforestry waste, such as prunings from olive groves and vineyards, making the project multi-purpose in creating economic and employment induced from elements previously considered waste and above all not exclusively linked to chestnut growing. Contact information Solaria Anzilotti, Salvatore Moricca, Rodolfo Picchio Links to website/report/video https://www.psingeca.it/it Pictures ITHub 4 - 19 Title of innovation Endotherapic treatments with Trichoderma spp. in chestnut groves ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) UNIFI Operational Group (short name) INGECA Operational Group (name) Strategie INnovative a basso impatto per la GEstione delle avversità dei CAstagneti da frutto Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Universities, chestnut farmers consortium, public operators, research institutions, chestnut transformation companies, biochar companies Link from OGs database https://www.innovarurale.it/it/pei-agri/gruppi-operativi/bancadatigo-pei/strategie-innovative-basso-impatto-la-gestione-delle Country, region, city Tuscany, Italy Type of innovation Technological innovation Keywords Pest/disease control, Multifunctional forest management, wood transformation Approach and main results Tuscan chestnut cultivation is still carried out using traditional methods. Climatic, economic and social factors led in recent decades to the ageing and physiological decline of chestnut groves. Moreover, the arrival of new pathogens and pests as well as the resurgence of already known parasites severely curtail chestnut production. Phytosanitary control in chestnut groves has always been carried out by traditional treatments, that caused a high product dispersion in the environment and a low efficacy. For the above reasons the introduction of new, economically viable tree cultivation and protection techniques may provide a valuable solution. The objective was to transfer to chestnut groves biocontrol protocols that have already been tested and validated in others crop systems. This was the first case of application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) in chestnut groves. BCAs are beneficial microorganisms that live naturally in soil and/or within plants tissues (endopythes). Trichoderma spp., in particular, has been widely used in agricultural crops as “biopesticides” proving to be highly effective in enhancing plants growth and increasing parasite resistance. Endotherapic treatments were carried out with various local strains of Trichoderma spp. These were directly injected into the tree sapwood by using the new, minimally invasive BITE® (Blade for Infusion in TrEes) injection tool, at 1,30 m of height. The best period for treatments is during the growing season when the tree canopy is fully developed, with transpiration and water transport within trees very high, so that the Trichoderma suspension can be quickly adsorbed and moved to the upper part of the crown. The same microorganisms were also inoculated into the soil where they can protect tree roots in the rhizosphere. The results showed that Trichoderma empowers natural plant defenses, so that the tree is also more resistant to pathogens. In particular, this methodology has shown very significative results in limiting the nut rot disease caused by Gnomognopsis castaneae, which strongly impacts chestnut fruit production. Disease incidence reduction was by 3035% in the first year and 60% in the second year. The same BCAs were also used to protect pruning wounds (both ordinary and phytosanitary cuts) because some pathogens (e.g. the agent of chestnut blight Chryphonectria parasitica) cause wound infections. Moreover, biocontrol treatments proved also effective in increasing the density of Torymus sinensis larvae. Lessons learned Biological control, when coupled with good management practices, leads to a reduction in the incidence and severity of pest attacks on the fruit and, as a consequence, a remarkable increase in chestnut production. Tree endotherapy with local Trichoderma is functional to safeguarding ecological integrity and biodiversity of chestnut groves as well as to maintaining the ecosystem services these stands provide. Contact information Salvatore Moricca, Solaria Anzilotti (solaria.anzi[email protected]) Links to website/report/video https://www.psingeca.it/it/trattamenti-endoterapici-contrichoderma-spp Pictures ITHub 4 - 20 Title of innovation Methodology for plantations ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) SOLUTOPUS Operational Group (short name) ClimCast Operational Group (name) The new challenges for the chestnut grove in the context of climate change Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) NGOs; business; researchers Link from OGs database https://www.citab.utad.pt/projects Country, region, city Portugal / Trás-os-Montes and Beiras Type of innovation Process Keywords Plantation; chestnut; varieties; climate adaptation Approach and main results ClimCast installed a network of 7 demonstration groves in different soil and climatic contexts of the “chestnut” country. These chestnut trees were made up of specimens of 11 chestnut cultivars and are equipped with meteorological stations. It was thought to be an embryonic basis of a knowledge network to serve the sector, according to the needs. Chestnut production is strongly conditioned by weather conditions averages and extremes observed during its annual cycle. Diseases and pests that affect and decimate chestnut trees are also associated with specific environmental conditions. Like this, the economic potential and development strategy of the vlue chain, in Portugal, face difficulties resulting from climate variability and climate change. The chestnut tree presents weaknesses resulting from poor tolerance to the combination of water and thermal stresses that result in loss of vigor and productivity as well as a abnormal increase in tree mortality rate. As objectives, it had: (i) characterize the evolution of soil and climate conditions in the main producing regions in terms of potential for chestnut production; (ii) identify the best adapted varieties future climate conditions; (iii) develop tools to estimate future production; (iv) develop a manual of good chestnut cultivation practices to be adopted by producers (v) create a warning network for chestnuts. The results are mainly related to the large number of meteorological variables that were identified, detection indices remote control and other parameters with influence on the chestnut tree and predictive potential of chestnut productivity in Portugal. The climatic characterization of the main chestnut regions and chestnut producing regions, under current climate conditions and future. These results allow selecting the best cultivar for each situation edafoclimatics and understand the impacts of climate change in oil-producing regions brunette. Based on this knowledge, climate models were developed for simulation and forecasting nut productivity and mapping climatic suitability for chestnut production. The methodology developed allowed identifying the regions producers and potential producers of chestnuts depending on their characteristics climate and also provides a gradation of the risk situation of the crop. Lessons learned This OG arose with the aim of taking advantage of the opportunity of the development of the sector and, in the context of climate change. Monitoring soil evolution will make it possible to assess the impact of climate change in the soil and make the necessary adjustments to the fertilization plans. A climate productivity model and potential production chart will be developed of chestnuts in Portugal. This model will allow us to better systematize knowledge about the climatic conditions of production and with some advance help to predict the annual chestnut production, an aspect of the greatest importance for the industry. Last but not least, is the grove network complemented with stations weather forecasts that are set up, allowing the creation of a warning network that will work from RefCast (producers association). Future financial support is expected to continue the work. The available data and the methodology for the field experiments was an example to be followed. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://www.citab.utad.pt/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 21 Title of innovation Valorization of a neglected plant ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) SOLUTOPUS Operational Group (short name) SambucusValor Operational Group (name) Integrated valorization of elderberries according to healthy consumption patterns: from the plant to the creation of new valueadded food products. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Farmers and forest owners; business; researchers Link from OGs database https://sambucusvalor.pt/ Country, region, city Portugal (north inland) Type of innovation Product Keywords Elderberries; valorization; packaging; virtualities Approach and main results OG SambucusValor aimed to develop value-added food products from elderberries, with a view to increasing their market penetration. It was assumed that the management and valorization of elderberry cultivation based on the creation of quality indicators and sustainable production and transformation strategies, namely through the integration of skills and resources installed in partner entities, which should lead to the creation of a pilot center to enhance this development . The Objectives were: 1-Definition of flower and berry quality indicators, which relate growing conditions to flower and berry composition; 2-Implementation of flower and berry stabilization and storage processes with a view to preserving their bioactive components for a period longer than the normal harvesting of materials, thus ensuring the continuous supply of raw materials with strict food quality standards; 3Design and development of new food products, based on elderberry flowers and berries; 4-Nutritional assessment of products to be developed; 5-Creation of a website, information dissemination networks and a partnership network with consumer associations, food companies and elderberry producers as a means of disseminating, communicating and valuing elderberry, at national and international level and 6Creation of a pilot elderberry center that should represent a nucleus of innovation across the entire elderberry value chain: from the plant to the creation of new value-added food products. The results are made available through diverse technical (p.ex : Publicação Uaonline: Investigação do Departamento de Química: Centro-piloto do sabugueiro nasce para desenvolver produtos alimentares mais saudáveis – notícia no site da UA on-line - http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=54222) and scientific publications. An inpressive number of presentations and workshops and other events were organized. A PhD thesis was supported by the OG activities. Lessons learned Promotion of elderberry products in baskets: In January 2021, Inovterra, in partnership with some farmers and with the partner entities of the Operational Group, launched a distribution of baskets of vegetables and regional products at national level. This launch of product baskets made making it possible to include elderberry products in sales to the public in a different way, and made it possible to publicize elderberry-based products, which were presented every week in the baskets. Also, beginning of cooperation with Galiza (Spain) due to common interests. Involvement between producers and commerce, for renewed products and presentations, as well as in marketing activities. Involvement of the agroindustry. Contact information https://sambucusvalor.pt/; [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://youtu.be/SdJiiO15zKs; https://youtu.be/ZZAOQxeEazs; https://youtu.be/17Ep-wlLw3o Pictures Links to website/report/video https://gosuber.es/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 25 Title of innovation Mechanised resin extraction method ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) GO ACREMA Operational Group (name) ADAPTATION OF THE RESIN ACTIVITY TO PINEWOODS FOR WOOD PRODUCING PURPOSES. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Resin processing industries, resin producers' cooperative, forest asociation and enterprise and forestry technology centres. Link from OGs database ADAPTACIÓN DE LA ACTIVIDAD RESINERA A MASAS DE PINO CON FINES PRODUCTORES MADEREROS. | EIP-AGRI (europa.eu) Country, region, city Spain, Galicia, Castillay León, Asturias Type of innovation Process Keywords Non-wood forest product, Multifunctional forest management, circular bioeconomy Approach and main results Although the practices used in resin extraction have been improving in yield and quality, the extractive method remains the same: collecting the resin that emanates from a bare wood surface as a result of incisions, called picks, made repeatedly over time on the surface of the tree. With the development of mechanised extraction methods, the aim is to obtain a raw material with greater purity, less physical effort and skill in execution, and good yields. The method tested in this OG is the so-called borehole at height. This method, which has existed for decades but has not yet been applied in Spain, has been tested and improved in this project. The methodology consists of drilling 3 simultaneous holes of 1.6 cm in diameter and 12 cm deep, with an inclination of 10 gr with tangential orientation (not radial), leaving a horizontal space between holes of 10 cm and a vertical space of 2 cm. For the borehole method, three extraction bags were used simultaneously, which were raised in height each time the picks were refreshed in an upward direction, with a periodicity of 14 days between picks. The results show that the borehole method produced 8.5 % more P. pinaster and 15 % more P. radiata than the other methods tested (traditional method and surface drilling method). The Borehole method is suitable for stands destined for chipping wood, and the yields obtained are very interesting, even without the application of stimulants. Stimulants have increased resin production by 70 % for traditional pica and circular notching, but only by 40 % for borehole. The high borehole productions stand out, especially in the non-stimulated trees, reaching productions of 1,796 g for P. pinaster and 1,162 g for P. radiata. The increase in production in 2022 compared to 2021 is very small for the borehole method, from which it can be deduced that the borehole wood penetration production system has a smaller cumulative effect per season and/or is less influenced by the different environmental conditions between seasons. For example, the production increases for Borehole, depending on the species and extraction technology, range between 8 and 10% in 2022, while for the traditional and circular notching system the increases are 34.5% and 30.22% respectively in 2022. Lessons learned The generation of innovation in resin extraction processes requires long-term trials and a large number of individual specimens (trees) studied. Resin production is affected by numerous variables, including climatic, edaphic, dasometric and, of course, human factors. This means that in order to extrapolate an innovation in this field to different scenarios, it requires longer study periods than those currently provided by the OG. On the other hand, the complexity of scientific and technical cooperation has become manifest. Good communication of the real interests of the parties is essential for the success of these processes. On the scientific side, data collection in the field, which is carried out by the tapping workers, as well as the execution of the work, is essential to scientist work. Without reliable data, all research results will be useless. On the other hand, the researchers developing the experimental designs must know and communicate frequently and closely with the tapping workers or the designs cannot be realistically implemented Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://acrema.es/r1-mejoras-en-la-extraccion-de-resina-en-baseal-desarrollo-de-metodos-de-extraccion-mecanizados-en-envasecerrado-y-optimizacion-del-metodo-convencional-de-pica-sobrecorteza/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 26 Title of innovation Wood-resin compatibility model. Mechanical wood characterization to assign a resistance class according to the UNE-EN 338 standard ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) GO ACREMA Operational Group (name) ADAPTATION OF THE RESIN ACTIVITY TO PINEWOODS FOR WOOD PRODUCING PURPOSES. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental Resin processing industries, resin producers' cooperative, forest asociation and enterprise and forestry technology centres. groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Link from OGs database ADAPTACIÓN DE LA ACTIVIDAD RESINERA A MASAS DE PINO CON FINES PRODUCTORES MADEREROS. | EIP-AGRI (europa.eu) Country, region, city Spain, Galicia, Castillay León, Asturias Type of innovation Product Keywords Non-wood forest product, Multifunctional forest management, circular bioeconomy, Supply chain, market and consumption, forest industries Approach and main results The incorporation of complementary activities to the exploitation of timber can represent an improvement in the management and conservation of forests, as well as allowing the generation of regular economic activities that create added social value for the populations benefiting from different products. One of the complementary activities listed for Galicia in Decree 73/2020 of 24 April is the use of resin in three pine species (Pinus pinaster Ait., Pinus radiata D. Don and Pinus nigra Arnold) before the clear-felling. In this context, there is an interest in including tapping activity as an ecosystem service added to the management of Galician mountains, initially planted for timber use only. As a material of natural origin, wood presents a great deal of variability. The characterization and classification processes are presented with the aim of complying with the basic requirements established by regulations for the appropriate use of wood as a structural element, which consists, fundamentally, in knowing the properties of the material. In this sense, one of the proposals of the ACREMA Operative Group was to evaluate the influence of the resin activity on the quality of wood from a structural point of view. For this purpose, mechanical tests (static bending) were carried out on a total of 238 pieces of Pinus pinaster with structural dimensions, separated into two subsamples (resin-treated and control logs). Prior to the breakage (bending) tests, all the boards were visually graded according to the criteria established in the Spanish visual grading regulations for coniferous wood. During the visual grading process, the presence of some singularities that may affect the structural strength of the wood were analysed: knots, resin pockets, cracks, deformations. However, the number of rejected tapped boards is quite similar to the number of rejected boards from control logs. Structural strength values for all the material were obtained from the mechanical tests and it was possible to compare the structural quality of the wood from previously tapped and untapped logs. In general, the values obtained for the two samples are in the same order. Regarding the strength, the sample of boards from the control logs had a slightly (6 %) higher average value than the sample of boards from the tapped trees. The average values of the strength properties: modulus of elasticity, bending strength and density, showed no numerically significant differences between the tapped and control material from the two plots. The study concluded that the resin does not cause any loss in the mechanical properties of the wood (strength and stiffness). With regard to the density parameter, however, an increase in the value is observed in the wood from tapped pieces, which could mean positive contributions from a structural point of view. The characteristic values of the strength properties of the tapped wood obtained are within the expected range for Spanish Pinus pinaster wood, which is nowadays accepted in the European standard that regulates the use of wood species for structural purposes (EN 1912). Lessons learned The use of resin in the Galician community presents a series of weaknesses that hinder the development of the sector, from the scarce availability of workers in the trade to the rejection of forest owners due to the possible effects of the use of resin on the quality of the wood, to the lack of confidence on the part of the manufacturing industry due to possible problems in the technical handling of the material. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://acrema.es/r4-asignacion-de-una-clase-resistente-a-lamadera-de-p-pinaster-resinada-con-fines-estructurales-segun-lanorma-une-en-338/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 27 Title of innovation Analytical techniques based on NIR technology for the characterisation of resins and their derivatives ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) GO ACREMA Operational Group (name) ADAPTATION OF THE RESIN ACTIVITY TO PINEWOODS FOR WOOD PRODUCING PURPOSES. Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Resin processing industries, resin producers' cooperative, forest asociation and enterprise and forestry technology centres. Link from OGs database ADAPTACIÓN DE LA ACTIVIDAD RESINERA A MASAS DE PINO CON FINES PRODUCTORES MADEREROS. | EIP-AGRI (europa.eu) Country, region, city Spain, Galicia, Castillay León, Asturias Type of innovation Technological innovation Keywords Non-wood forest product, Multifunctional forest management, circular bioeconomy, Supply chain, market and consumption, forest industries Approach and main results The quality of the resin is a key factor in the competitiveness and viability of the resin sector, about which there is insufficient knowledge to date. Starting from the distillation of the resin by hydrodistillation or steam distillation to obtain its main components (rosin and turpentine), and through laboratory analytical techniques, we can determine important parameters that will vary depending on the resination method, the species or the climate, among others, and which will be decisive when classifying the resin according to its quality and, therefore, its final destination. A study has been carried out on the analysis of resins and rosins using NIRs technology (Near Infrared Spectroscopy), a non-destructive, simple and fast technique that would allow an initial classification of the resins based on their quality parameters, such as rosin and turpentine content, for example. This would allow a more detailed knowledge of the product for sale to the first transformation industry, directing the resin production to different sectors, depending on the needs demanded by the companies. The NIRs analysis has focused on the development of models to determine the % turpentine and % rosin of the starting resins and the acidity index of the rosins obtained. The first step of the working system in the development of a NIR prediction tool is calibration, which involves the analysis by classical (or laboratory) technologies of a set of samples that are representative of the parameter of interest (called the calibration population). At the same time, these samples will be analysed by NIR, optimising the process so that quality spectra are obtained. The spectra will be confronted with data obtained by classical methodologies, constituting the working databases with which, using multivariate analysis software, prediction models will be developed. The second step is validation, the application of these models on samples not included in the calibration population, also analysed by classical methods, thus knowing the reference value of the parameter to be determined (known as the validation population). The statistical study of these results will determine the framework of application of the prediction models, restricting it to a classification system by categories, or it can be applied in quantitative analysis. Model development was studied considering a global data set, and also classifying the calibration population by method, species and both factors simultaneously. As expected, correlation values improve when variability is restricted. As an overall result it can be concluded that, although correlation coefficients of 0.8 have been obtained for some models, it is necessary to extend the calibration populations to be able to continue working and developing robust models that allow, if not quantification, a quick and easy classification of the resin. All this, together with the great versatility of commercial accessories for NIR equipment (portable and non-portable) would provide companies with a tool that not only allows product control, but also its commercialisation with a guarantee of traceability and quality. Lessons learned NIRs technology is a promising technique in the resin industry as a simple and fast way to classify resin. The models developed for the prediction of rosin % show better statistics than those developed for the prediction of turpentine content. This may be due to the method used to obtain principal components. It is necessary to extend the calibration populations in order to be able to continue working and developing robust models that allow, at least, a quick and simple classification of the resin. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://acrema.es/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FV3.2_Modelosde-calibracion-y-validacion-de-tecnologias-NIR-en-el-.pdf Pictures ITHub 4 - 28 Title of innovation New cork uses guide ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) CESEFOR Operational Group (short name) GO SUBER Operational Group (name) Global modernization of the cork harvesting sector: mechanization, improvement of work environment, optimization of organization and commercialization Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Two Forestry management private companies, one robotic technologies and innovation private company, two universities cork specialized centers, three oak cork forest owners representatives, four national and regional public cork researcher centers. Link from OGs database https://ec.europa.eu/eip/agriculture/en/find-connect/projects/gosuber-modernizaci%C3%B3n-global-del-sector-de-la.html Country, region, city Spain, Extremadura-Andalucia-Madrid-Cataluña Type of innovation Process Keywords Non-wood forest product; cork, harvesting, wine stopper, axe, safety and health Approach and main results Gosuber project, developed from 2018 to 2020, has been oriented to improve cork harvesting efficiency. An attempt has been made to establish a cork quality classification procedure. Main results have been materialized in a guide, that collect detailed information about the studies carried out and their applications in cork quality classification. Lessons learned Information technologies applied to subericulture are the immediate future of forest management of cork oak forests. The possibility of establishing the different qualities of cork in the field through innovative technologies will lead to a democratization of cork sales standards. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video https://gosuber.es/ Pictures ITHub 4 - 29 Title of innovation Establishing new business models with NWFP ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) StMELF-LWF Operational Group (short name) OG Bienwald (Bee forest) Operational Group (name) OG Zukunftsfähiger Bienenwald Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) The members of the “sustainable bee forest” OG are: Forest owner “Ruhlengut”, Bee institute Kirchhain in Hesse, Beekeeper “Auenblick”, Beekeeper “Beerow”, Farm community “Niederholzhausen”, and Comunis Projektbüro acting as coordinator for the OG Associated partners are: Justus-Liebig University of Gießen, Association for organic farming, German association for beekeepers, Hesse state enterprise for farming (LLH) technical information unit biological raw material use, Institute for animal ecology (ITN), Forest service Hesse in Kirchhain, Forest owner cooperative Morsch.-Spangenberg, Georg-August University of Göttingen The main target group are farmers who own small forest lands. Through the cooperation with the regional forestry association, in which numerous predominantly small forest owners are organized, and forestry offices of the state of Hesse, information transfer up to urban forest owners is possible. "Urban forest owners" mostly live in cities. They have inherited forest but have little connection to this property and therefore often take insufficient care of it. The innovative bee forest concept offers the possibility to reach out to the variety of forest owners and encourage them to actively manage their forest. Link from OGs database Link-netwerk-laendlicher-raum Country, region, city Germany, Hesse Type of innovation Product Keywords Climate and climate change, Biodiversity and nature management, Non-wood forest product, New planting system, Multifunctional forest management Approach and main results Together with the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse is the most densely forested state in Germany. The forest area in Hesse is about 894.180 ha. Hesse has a total of around 60.000 forest owners, the majority of whom are small private forest owners. A quarter of the total forest area in Hesse is privately owned, and one third of this is small-scale private forest is owned by farmers. Because many of them are challenged with forest dieback in the face of climate change, the smallholder farmers are the main target group of the “sustainable bee forest” OG. Large tracts of forest underwent major disturbances over the last years (pests, storms, fire). The German ministry of agriculture and food (BMEL) estimates that over the next years almost 500.000 ha of forest land will need to be afforested (status: Oct 2023). The project "sustainable bee forest" develops and implements a new forest management concept that improves the habitat of flower-pollinating insects during reand afforestation from the very beginning while generating new sources of income from non-wood forest products. The “sustainable bee forest” OG aims at building better linkages between profitability and conservation aspects for forest owners by diversifying sources of income from forest determination, yeld records, cork extraction, observation of leafs and dry branches, presence of other biotic and abiotic agents, etc.. Lessons learned The dynamics between P. cylindrus and cork oak forests are relatively little known, despite there being a good research base. This topic is highly complex and requires further studies on the factors that influence the choice of new hosts by the platype and its importance in space and over time. Therefore, little is known about the evolution of attacks between years and whether the proximity of trees healthy trees with previously colonized and spreading trees increases the probability of occurrence of new attacks. To answer these key questions, all variables intrinsic to the location and settlement need to be properly analyzed with the aim of understand this individual and specific influence of each factor over time in the activity of the platype. More studies and long term fiels work are needed (without temporal empty breaks), to better approach the dynamic of the factors that affect the health and productivity of cork oak. This will have a direct and significance impact in the producers income and enthusiasm to continue with this production. Contact information AFLOSORhttps://www.aflosor.com/ Links to website/report/video https://www.rederural.gov.pt/centro-de-recursos Pictures ITHub 4 - 32 Title of innovation Diversification of edible wild mushroom cultivation with new native species ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) Boscat Operational Group (short name) TEb Verd / BoletBenFet Operational Group (name) Diversification of edible wild mushroom cultivation with new native species Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) mushroom business, research center, CATALAN MYCOLOGY SOCIETY, : WOOD AND FURNITURE GUILD Link from OGs database Country, region, city Spain, Catalunya, Geographical area(s) of application PROVINCE(S): Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida and Girona Type of innovation Product Keywords non-wood forest product, circula bioeconomy, new product, market and consumption, wood mobilisation and transformation, Competitiveness and agricultural and forestry diversification Approach and main results The project was led by Bolet Ben Fet (TEB Verd SCCL). The operational group consists of: Bolets de Soca (Tresseras Multimèdia SL), the Catalan Mycology Society, the Wood and Furniture Guild and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA). IRTA acted as a technology and research centre, and two lecturers from the University of Barcelona (UB) joined the team of researchers. A total of 120 strains belonging to 14 fungal species were isolated from the specimens collected in the field. A mixture of wheat, rye and sorghum grain in equal parts was designed with a water content adjusted to 50-60% and sterilised in the autoclave. It was tested successfully with 87 different strains of 11 fungal species for the production of the inoculum (seed). The small-scale trials were carried out using a substrate based on hardwood sawdust adapted to 60-65% humidity levels. An incubation temperature of 20-25°C was suitable for all the species. The project has made it possible to develop methods and protocols for the cultivation of eight edible fungal species from native strains. The cultivation protocols can be considered developed for: Agrocybe aegerita, Fistulina hepatica, Lypphyllum decastes, Meripilus giganteus, Pleurotus eryngii and Polyporus squamosus. They were also developed for better known species including: Ganoderma lucidum and Grifola frondosa, but using native strains. Catalonia is a country with a strong mycological presence and tradition, but the cultivation of wild forest mushrooms focuses on a few species that are mostly of Asian origin; this is a pioneering initiative in this type of cultivation. Diversification into other species with closer links to local tradition would increase the diversity and current range of edible fungi. These new products would give local producers a competitive advantage and open up new opportunities for export. The main objective of this project was to incorporate new species of fungi which are mostly lignicolous and native to Catalonia in the cultivation of edible mushrooms in order to diversify production and improve the commercial range of our country's producers. Lessons learned 1. A crop bank of 120 strains belonging to 14 edible fungal species native to Catalonia has been established. This collection of pure strains is available for future research and development work. 2. A viable seed production method has been established for 11 of the fungal species mentioned above. 3. The project has made it possible to develop methods and protocols for the cultivation of eight edible fungal species from native strains: Agrocybe aegerita, Fistulina hepatica, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lyophyllum decastes, Meripilus giganteus, Pleurotus eryngii and Polyporus squamosus. Some of these species, such as: F. hepatica, L. decastes and P. squamosus have never been cultivated before. 4. Nutrient and cytotoxicity analyses for all the newly cultivated species are being developed. 5. The complete cultivation cycle has not yet been reached for Laetiporus sulphureus. No mushrooms have been obtained. Interest in the species has led to the start of a bachelor's degree final project at the University of Barcelona to continue the research. Eight species of fungi were added to mushroom cultivation. Some of them, such as Fistulina hepatica,Lyophyllum decastes, Meripilus giganteus and Polyporus squamosus have never been cultivated before. Other more well-known strains, including: Agrocybe aegerita, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa and Pleurotus eryngii, cultivated from native strains.The diversification of edible mushroom cultivation should continue in the long term in order to incorporate new products into the market. Cooperation between companies in the sector and research centres with support from government institutions proved to be an effective way of achieving these results. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video El cultiu dels bolets de soca autòctons, camí de ser una realitat (irta.cat) Pictures ITHub 4 - 33 Title of innovation Improving productivity and sustainability of black truffle plantations by microbiological handling of the rhizosphere ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) Boscat Operational Group (short name) not found (project of 2015) Operational Group (name) Improving productivity and sustainability of black truffle plantations by microbiological handling of the rhizosphere Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) forest and agriculture companies, research center Link from OGs database Country, region, city Spain, Catalunya Type of innovation Product Keywords non -wood forest poduct, circular bioeconomy, market and consumption, Farming / forestry competitiveness and Landscape / land management Approach and main results Black truffle production is an expanding crop in Catalonia with high economical potential, especially in agricultural areas with low productivity. In this sense, black truffle cultivation is often developed on poor soils, with low production yields and where trees present nutritional deficiencies and serious phytosanitary problems. Another problem to be solved in trucficulture is crop irregularity, possibly due to suboptimal production conditions, both in the nursery and in the field. As a major difference from the cultivation of trees for biomass or for the cultivation of fruits, in this case we work with a much more complex interaction between the tree and the rhizosphere or interface zone between the root of the plant and the soil. However, the increase of monospecific plantations (generally holm oaks) can cause an increase in certain diseases and pests that decrease the production of truffles. Management of the rhizosphere can contribute to the general improvement of plant vigor and its tolerance to biotic factors without the need to use phytosanitary products. In this project we evaluated the capacity of different organic substances and rhizobacteria, some isolated from wild truffieres described by Vilanova et al (2013) with the intention of improving the biotic and abiotic conditions of the rhizosphere, considering the presence and availability of nutrients, Development of the vegetative phase of truffle mycelium, vigorousness of the tree (nutritional status) and control of pathogens. The follow-up of the fungus response will be carried out in collaboration with IRTA, using the technology and results of the innovative pilot project, financed by the Department of Agriculture of the Generalitat de Catalunya in 2013 (File No. 56700362013). These techniques are based on quantitative PCR and allow us to determine the mycelium biomass of a fungal species, in this case Tuber melanosporum, in a soil sample (Parladé et al. 2013). The monitoring of the vigorousness of the tree will be carried out through foliar nutrient analysis. In order to correlate the bacterial activity generated in the rhizospheric soil by the introduction of bacterial strains and the effects on the plant and the fungus, initial and final counts of viable aerial mesophiles will be carried out by means of isolating in the appropriate selective media. Lessons learned The application of the different rizobacteria, organic compounds, and combinations of treatments in the first and second year of experimentation did not present effects on the concentration of Tuber melanosporum mycelium in the substrate of the plants produced in nursery. The treatments used, in isolation or combined, have no effect on a young plant growing in the nursery. The conditions of the nursery (substrate, irrigation, fertilization) and the fact of incorporating a can concentration of spores of the mycorrhizal fungus to obtain the mycorrhization of the plants are sufficiently developed, and the application of this compounds in the phase of Nursery does not represent any detectable improvement. In the plot of Granollers we find comparable results. None of the applied treatments, separately or in combination, have increased the concentration of truffle mycelium in the soil surrounding the treated plants. In a plot already established for years and that is already producing truffles, the incorporation of rizobacterial and organic compounds has no stimulating effect on the development of mycelium fungus. A plot established more than 12 years ago, the fungal composition of the rhizosphere of plants is sufficiently stabilized to be able to significantly modify the equilibrium established with contributions such as those proposed. In the case of Batea's newly established plot in which the treated plants had an age of 3 years, the effects of the incorporation of rizobacteria such as Bacillus liqueniformis or Pseudomonas fluorescens, as well as the incorporation of organic compounds of different origins, had a stimulating effect on the development of Tuber melanosporum mycelium. In young plants, in the phase of settling in their place of definitive plantation, with strong biotic and abiotic competition of the environment, the application of these products if it confers a positive effect on the development of the mycelium of truffle. In conclusion, the application of these products in young plantations in the phase of establishment would be recommended, and it would not be necessary in the phase of production of mycorrhizal plant in nursery or in plantations already adult in phase of production. In view of the results obtained, it can also be concluded that combinations of rizobacteria and organic compounds did not present the expected summation effect in a principle. The hypothesis that the combination of treatments with stimulating effects on the development of truffle mycelium would have a better behavior than the components separately has not been confirmed. More studies would be needed to design, with more data, these possible combinations. On the other hand, combinations of treatments, especially those that contained organic compounds, have had an effect on the bacterial populations of the soils of both plantations. And also the fungus in the case of the Granollers plantation, consisting of adult plants in production. It is described in the literature that these bacteria can have a positive effect on the development of the plant, and indirectly on the production of truffles. The future monitoring of these parcels would allow to verify it. At the time, to continue collecting data from these experiments, would allow it to determine if the effects of the treatment persist in time or the need to repeat them periodically during the first phases of planting establishments should be considered. With regard to the improvement of the collection and accumulation of nutrients in plants, in all cases the detected effects were not consistent and did not allow to detect a treatment that was efficient in improving the content of nutrients in the plants. There are not enough data to extract solid conclusions. Contact information [email protected] Links to website/report/video Pictures ITHub 4 - 34 Title of innovation Geolocation and monitoring of animals to identify possible incidents and improve the management of animals and pastures ITHub 4 FOREST4EU partner (short name) Boscat Operational Group (short name) CLIM'AGIL Operational Group (name) Improvement of the technical-economic management of extensive livestock farms in the Catalan Pyrenees using geolocation and animal monitoring systems Type of OG's partners (farmers, forest owners, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interests groups or other NGOs) Farmers’ Union of Catalonia, research center, farmer companies Link from OGs database Country, region, city Spain, Catalunya Type of innovation Technological innovation Keywords Biodiversity and environmental management, Competitiveness and agricultural and forestry diversification, non-wood forest product, ecosystem services, food industries Approach and main results The project aims to provide the extensive livestock farming sector (cattle, horses and sheep) with new technological tools to obtain and manage as much data as possible from a herd with minimum involvement by the farmer. Geolocation and monitoring of animals uses various algorithms to analyse the information collected in order to identify possible incidents and improve the management of animals and pastures. This Operational Group, consisting of the Unió de Pagesos (Farmers’ Union of Catalonia), the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Digitanimal, SL and the cooperatives Pirenaica Societat Cooperativa C. LTDA and Agrària Ramadera del Pallars de Sort, SCCL, focuses on exploring the full potential that these technologies can provide to help overcome the main challenges facing the sector: 1 – Improving the economic viability of farms. · Adjustment of the devices to herd activity patterns to improve technical-health-financial management. · Provision of the location and monitoring of the movements and condition of animals and herds. · The task requiring the most labour is supervising the herd and monitoring the animals' health (behaviour, diseases, births, etc.). Reducing working hours is a key factor in lowering costs and increasing the financial viability of farms. 2 – Efficient and sustainable use of natural resources and the maintenance of biodiversity. · Analysis of the grouped data related to the animals' location to determine grazing pressure, preserve the pasture's quality and ensure the sustainability of the silvopastoral system. 3 – Proximity of herds to wildlife. · A third challenge is the fact that herds live in proximity to other wildlife. The technology for detecting wildlife attacks will be assessed, and patterns of behaviour to detect and document them will be established Facilitate control of herds, management of technical-health and pasture data to improve the productivity and viability of extensive livestock farms by using geolocation systems and by monitoring animals using collars. Characteristics of the technological tools: -A position sensor that shows the location. -A triaxial accelerometer, which shows the level of activity. -A surface temperature sensor. - A low-consumption long-range communications module. -A cloud server, and various databases and algorithms for extracting patterns and creating notifications. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project forest4eu.eu [email protected] Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. PARTNERS