SPRINT – Sustainable Polymer-based solutions for Resource efficiency and Innovation in Nutrient and water management for high-value Target crops

SPRINT is an initiative of Green Legacy, a company that develops and optimizes Polysorb+, a biodegradable water-retention polymer that improves drought resilience, reduces irrigation requirements, enhances nutrient efficiency, and promotes sustainable crop production. The project advances formulations, examines mechanical compatibility for large-scale farming, and conducts Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to facilitate climate-resilient and resource-efficient agricultural practices. LUT University is tasked with performing a comprehensive LCA of Polysorb+ within potato production systems. This assessment evaluates environmental impacts throughout the entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to field application, and compares Polysorb+-based systems with conventional agricultural methods. The findings aim to inform data-driven decision-making for sustainable farming and climate-resilient food security.

Goals

• Enhance soil water retention to improve drought resilience and decrease irrigation requirements.
• Optimize the polymer formulation to ensure mechanical compatibility within high-value crop rotation systems. Scale industrial production processes for Polysorb+ and validate performance through comprehensive field trials.
• Conduct a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of potato production systems utilizing Polysorb+.
• Develop strategies for commercialization, distribution, and stakeholder engagement.