MANAGEMENT is organized through WP1 – Coordination, led by the project coordinator (CTFC), This WP is transversal to all project activities and WP’s, and participated by all members of the consortium. It will ensure the adequate accomplishment and efficient work, adequately coordinated between the different consortium members
R&D is the main activity in SUSTAFFOR project. It starts with WP2 – Achievement of novel techniques, coordinated by Centexbel and participated by all SMEs, with support from CTFC. During this WP different demonstration versions (with variable compositions, format, industrial production process, etc) of the novel techniques will be produced, based on the technical requirements desirable. These models will be tested mechanically and accelerated degradation tests will be applied in order to determine the best version/s of each technique, which will be further tested at field conditions during WP3 – Field trials design and implementation. This WP3 is coordinated by CTFC, consisting on the assessment of the performance of the best model/s of each novel technique, in comparison with reference techniques (i.e. best current techniques applied in AF/RF) in terms of tree fitness and effects on soil features. The durability and degradation of the techniques will be also studied. The field trials consist on a network of 8 scientifically designed and implemented plantations, with markedly contrasted environmental conditions. In order to gather the data necessary for the comparisons, WP4 – Field trials monitoring will start as soon as the plantations are implemented: Edma will coordinate this WP4, performed together with CTFC, with the intention of gathering data on environmental (climate and soil features) and plant (growth, vegetative status, etc) variables. Last WP under this Activity (WP5 – Laboratory analyses) is coordinated by CNRS (analysis of biochemical changes in soil organic matter and exploration of specific compounds release). Other participants are CTFC (characterization of soil variables related to water availability and fertility) and Centexbel (analysis of physical properties and durability of mulches).
DEMONSTRATION: these activities will be performed during WP6: Definition of final commercial products. The previous RTD activities will allow SMEs producing the novel techniques preparing a final optimized version for each one, which will be produced for pre-commercial purposes. Installation protocols and recommendations for use will be also produced.
OTHER: this activity is related to the management of the results emerging from the RTD activities, organized in WP7 – Project results management: Dissemination, Training & Exploitation. WP7 is coordinated by Terrezu and participated by all SMEs, supported by CTFC, CNRS and Centexbel on dissemination. The key stage of WP7 is the preparation of the Plan for Use and Dissemination of the Foreground (PUDF) and a Business plan. PUDF will consider aspects of dissemination, training and results exploitation. Dissemination may include the preparation of a technical guide, articles on SCI or technology / professional journals, participation in professional fairs, R&T conferences and the coordination of on-field workshops and a final seminar. Training will consist on courses addressed at participating SME staff. Results exploitation will be based on the preparation of an IPR management plan and a market study.
Apart from the PUDF, this project webpage and periodic electronic newsletters are the main means for the general dissemination of specific project results and products to target end-users.