Fertilization

Fertilization & Ash Recycling

Early applications for the Nordluft system are forest fertilizing and bio ash recirculation, where Nordluft is collaborating with important players in the sector. The Nordic forestry industry is highly developed with a large market.

Forest fertilizing is used to increase the growth rate of forests. The fertilizer in the Nordics consists of mainly nitrogen compounds and it normally comes in the form of dry granules.

Highly profitable with a return of investment of about 10%
550 kg fertilizer is spread per hectare forest
10 additional tons of CO2 are absorbed per hectare of fertilized forest
Recent years, about 30,000 hectares are fertilized annually within Sweden
130,000 potential hectares in Sweden with current methods
Global market is estimated to 4 Bn SEK
Low marginal effect of the overall nitrogen leakage from forests

Sources: Skogforsk, Swedish forestry agency

Ash Recycling

When wood is burnt, a by-product of ash is obtained. The ash contains nutrients and contains a value of its own. Spreading ash over forests is expected to increase significantly in the future, meaning that there is high incentive to invest in this trend. Ash can be packed as granules for spreading.

Returning nutrients in ash to the forest soils, closed loop biofuel cycle
Ash recycling has positive effects on the growth and vitality of the forest environment, including prevention of soil acidification
Ash recycling is a method of taking care of the by-product of power plants and industries that use biofuels
About 3 tons of ash are spread per hectare of forest
Ash is spread over about 10,000 hectares of forest anually in Sweden
High costs due to large volume of material per hectare

Sources: Skogforsk, Swedish forestry agency

Advantage & Effects of The Nordluft System

Current spreading methods for both fertilizer and ash are via tractors, converted forestry machines and helicopters. With Nordluft’s system, cost of spreading will be significantly reduced, meaning a much larger market for these sustainable forest activities. As Nordluft implements its technology, forestry will be more profitable, productive and sustainable.