Baltic MUPPETS Deliverable 3.3: Evaluation Report on Plant Experiment Results

Mussel farming in the Baltic Sea offers a dual benefit of environmental restoration and resource optimization. By reducing eutrophication, it positively impacts the fragile marine ecosystem while creating opportunities to repurpose mussel byproducts into valuable agricultural inputs. To ensure the economic sustainability of mussel farming, it is essential to develop innovative uses for both mussel shells and meat. Addressing this challenge, Grobruket has developed complete mineral fertilizers under the title of “Havsmineral”, utilizing ground mussel shells as a substitute for conventional lime products. An additional compost product, Havskompost, utilizing waste materials from the fish and mussel industries has also been tested. Due to low salinity, Baltic Sea mussels are often smaller and, therefore, not always suitable for the human consumption market. In the western Baltic Sea, small mussels are considered a side-stream of market-size mussel production. Baltic MUPPETS is a three-year project funded under the Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) Instrument and aims to create a new value chain for small mussels in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) by developing high-value and healthy pet food products. The motivation behind this initiative lies in the prospect of simultaneously restoring the Baltic Sea ecosystem and harnessing byproducts to tackle pressing ecological and economic challenges. This unique convergence of environmental restoration and resource optimization highlights the transformative potential of sustainable innovation. As part of the Baltic MUPPETS project, Grobruket has embraced the challenge of creating sustainable soil amendments and fertilizers from waste mussels and other ocean-based resources. This approach not only addresses waste management but also enriches soil health and aligns with circular economy principles. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and repurposing abundant, nutrient-rich marine resources, Grobruket is advancing agricultural sustainability. Grobruket, a knowledge-driven company, specializes in pioneering sustainable methods for plant cultivation, focusing on plant nutrients, bio-stimulants, and substrates. Through cuttingedge research and innovation, Grobruket strives to optimize crop health and productivity while promoting environmental stewardship. Their work in this project exemplifies their commitment to creating a more resilient and sustainable future for horticulture. This report evaluates the outcomes of plant experiments conducted with fertilizers and compost products derived from mussel farming byproducts, assessing their potential to enhance soil and crop productivity in an environmentally sustainable manner.