Turning Waste into Worth: How the SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT is Transforming Agricultural Wastewater Management

In an era increasingly defined by sustainability, the challenge of effectively managing agricultural waste has never been more pressing.

In an era increasingly defined by sustainability, the challenge of effectively managing agricultural waste has never been more pressing. Yet, amid the quest for greener practices, one technology is quietly making waves. The SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT —a cutting-edge innovation in wastewater treatment—is emerging as a pivotal solution for integrating biogas digestate into modern fertigation systems, heralding a new chapter in eco-efficient farming.

From Waste to Resource: The Power of Biogas Digestate

Anaerobic digestion, long championed for its ability to convert organic waste into renewable energy, also yields a lesser-known but highly valuable byproduct: digestate. Rich in organic matter and key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, digestate has significant potential as a natural fertiliser.

While the solid component is relatively straightforward to manage—frequently used as compost or manure—it’s the liquid fraction that poses a challenge. Laden with suspended particles, this nutrient-rich liquid often risks clogging the narrow channels of drip irrigation systems.

Enter the SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT, engineered to overcome precisely this issue.

Filtering Innovation

Designed with precision and durability in mind, the SEPCOM MICRO-FILTER MFT is capable of removing particles down to 25 microns, allowing the liquid digestate to flow effortlessly through irrigation networks. In doing so, it facilitates the direct use of digestate in fertigation—a process that combines fertilisation and irrigation—without the need for extensive pre-treatment or costly infrastructure upgrades.

This functionality makes it a key component of the “100% Digestate Project”, an initiative led by Italy’s Research Centre for Animal Production (CRPA). The project seeks to eliminate reliance on synthetic fertilisers altogether by using solely microfiltered digestate in fertigation practices.

As the project’s coordinator notes: “Thanks to the SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT, it is now possible to obtain microfiltered digestate that can be readily used in fertigation without the risk of clogging irrigation emitters.”

Fourfold Advantage

The benefits of the SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT go beyond filtration. Its adoption signals a broader shift towards more sustainable agricultural models, offering advantages on several fronts:

1. Precision Filtration – By removing particles as small as 25 microns, the system safeguards against obstructions, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted irrigation.

2. Optimised Fertilisation – Nutrient retention remains high, ensuring plants receive the full benefit of natural fertilisers exactly where it’s needed—at the root zone.

3. Enhanced Waste Management – Integrating the MFT into biogas systems exemplifies the circular economy in action, reducing waste while cutting dependence on chemical inputs.

4. Regulatory Compliance – Particularly in regions like Emilia-Romagna, where nitrate regulations are strict, the use of microfiltered digestate supports environmentally sound fertilisation strategies.

Looking Ahead

As the agricultural sector grapples with the twin challenges of productivity and sustainability, the SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT stands out as a timely innovation. Its role in advancing circular resource use and supporting low-impact farming could prove pivotal in shaping the farms of the future.

Giuseppe Tassoni, a representative from SAVECO, puts it succinctly: “Interest in microfiltration technology is growing rapidly. The SEPCOM Micro-filter MFT is a shining example of how innovation can drive circular economy principles, restoring soil fertility and minimising environmental impact.”

In short, when it comes to wastewater management, the Micro-filter MFT doesn’t just clean up—it clears a path forward.

To explore the technology in greater depth, visit: www.saveco-water.com