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Stiegl revolutionizes agriculture: waste becomes a soil helper!
Stiegl and the Higher Agricultural SchoolQuelle rely on brewery diatomaceous earth to promote the circular economy in Salzburg.
Stiegl revolutionizes agriculture: waste becomes a soil helper!
More and more companies are embracing sustainable practices, and Salzburg's most renowned brewery, Stiegl, is showing how it's done. Since 2015, intensive research has been carried out here into the recycling of the so-called “brewery diatomaceous earth”. What initially resulted as waste from beer production is now used as a valuable agricultural aid. MeinBezirk reports that around 450 tons of this diatomaceous earth are produced in the Stiegl brewery every year. A large part of it is already used in agriculture.
But how exactly is this diatomaceous earth used? It serves as a biodegradable soil additive that improves soil and plant health. Special properties include increasing phosphorus availability and supporting microorganisms in the soil. And this doesn't just have benefits for the environment; Farmers are already benefiting from the positive effects of this innovative solution.
Documented successes and collaboration
The scientific basis for the use of brewery diatomaceous earth was strongly consolidated by the Origin Higher Agricultural School. In 2021, HBLA students presented a thesis that confirmed the positive research results. Stiegl's commitment is also reflected in the construction of a special diatomaceous earth container and two slurry pits for optimal use. This allows the diatomaceous earth to be efficiently mixed with manure, which is then spread on the fields to create a closed nutrient cycle. Stiegl highlights that this type of fertilization is not only more sustainable, but also increases the resilience of crops, especially in the face of the challenges of climate change.
The findings from research and the application of diatomaceous earth practice at the Stiegl-Gut Wildshut are already showing success in the cultivation of brewing barley. The school emphasizes the importance of silicon, which is slowly released into the soil, increasing phosphorus availability. This is particularly relevant as the provision of nutrients to plants becomes crucial under climate change.
Circular economy and global challenges
Stiegl's example is not only a locally inspiring model, but also reflects a global trend: the need for better waste management. According to BMZ we are faced with the challenge that the amount of waste is increasing rapidly and more than two billion people have no access to regulated waste collection. The UN sees waste avoidance and recycling as central tasks for achieving the sustainable development goals.
With the development and use of brewery diatomaceous earth, Stiegl has not only found an environmentally friendly solution to a former waste material, but is also working on a model that promotes the circular economy. This innovative approach to waste management could make a decisive contribution to the creation of sustainable business models and “green” jobs. With Stiegl, Salzburg shows that with a good hand and creative research you can not only brew beer, but also make a difference for the environment.