The process for producing composted mixed soil improver at the Sant´Agata Bolognese plant involves the following stages:

1 Grinding of the lignocellulose material to remove fibre and reduce volume: This increases the surface area of contact of the material with the remaining organic fraction and ensures a good structure for the mass, which must be compact but not asphyxiated.

2 Accurate mixing of the various organic fractions, based on the humidity level, the nitrogen and carbon content, and the physical structure of the various components: This stage begins with the shredding of the fresh tissues.

3 Bio oxidation of the mixture obtained, through frequent turning of the material deposited in piles: In this stage, aerobic fermentation of the mass is strongly encouraged in order to ensure its hygienisation. To achieve this end, the overall temperature is kept above 70gradiC. This allows the destruction of nematodes, fungi, salmonella and other bacteria harmful to plants, as well as weed seeds, simple molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) and the organic acids initially produced in the process. All of this results in a net reduction of plant toxicity and plant disease. The operations described above are, of course, performed in closed areas with frequent changes of air, which is then biologically filtered.

4 Maturation of the fermented mass: A stage characterised mainly by the activity of actinomycetes and fungi, in which turning is carried out increasingly less frequently, in order to ensure the right balance between continuation of the aerobic hygienisation phase and production of the humic molecules that characterise the end product.

5 Final refinement: Once the period of maturation is finished, the product is sent for refining, which ensures that it is of suitable quality and prepares it for the subsequent packaging operations, carried out at the Ozzano Emilia plant.