Thick deposits of dead biomass in certain places of the intermittent Lake Cerknica worsen the condition of the Ferruginous duck and Red-necked grebe’s nesting habitat and threaten the marsh vegetation. Such deposit patches are mostly created in reed beds as these are the only obstacles in the lake where the debris carried by the wind can stop. In addition to the dead reeds the deposits are also made of hay which the farmers did not manage to remove in time. In the scope of this task, we will systematically remove the dead biomass deposits during wintertime each year. For this purpose, we will purchase a specific type of harvester, similar to those used in nature reserves in England and Germany where they face the same challenges. As part of this task, we are also planning to visit these two parks abroad, where we will look at the machinery and decide on the most suitable for the conditions on Lake Cerknica.
Status: Task is in progress
Results:
We will develop alternative ways of using the excess biomass removed from the lake area and at the same time present farmers with a solution for potential surpluses of hay. The biomass can be used as raw material to produce pellets for pet litter, for composting, or for the micro biogas plant. In the scope of this task, we will conduct pilot experiments using biomass for all three potential solutions.
Status: Task is in progress
Results:
Have you received your bag of Compost from Lake Cerknica? We would be happy if you shared your opinion and experience with the product. Your feedback is very important to us. Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey available at the following link.
Compost from Lake Cerknica is a natural fertilizer obtained through the controlled biological decomposition of plant material originating from one of the most dynamic wetland ecosystems in Slovenia – Lake Cerknica. It is made from residual meadow grass, reeds, and other coarse plant materials.
What makes this compost unique is its origin – the biomass comes from an area characterized by alternating floods and droughts, which influence the plant composition and consequently the properties of the final product. The compost is completely natural, free of chemicals or artificial additives, and suitable for use in gardens, agricultural land, and green areas.
The biomass originates from the intermittent Lake Cerknica, where plant mass is removed annually. Only clean plant biomass is used, without soil, plastic, metals, or other contaminants.
Approximately 50 tons of biomass were transported to the ROSA composting facility in Vrhnika. The material arrived in large bales, which were arranged in long rows under a covered area to ensure suitable conditions for further processing.
Natural microorganisms and bacteria were added to accelerate and stabilize the decomposition process. The material was regularly mechanically mixed in the initial phase to ensure even decomposition, sufficient aeration, and prevention of unsuitable conditions.
Composting takes place in closed composting units, where temperature, moisture, and aeration are carefully controlled to ensure a safe and efficient process.
The compost enriches soil with organic matter, improves its structure and aeration, and stimulates the activity of soil microorganisms and other beneficial organisms. This increases soil fertility, water retention, and resistance to erosion.
The compost provides a gradual release of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers and protecting the environment.
Regular removal of plant biomass helps maintain the characteristic ecosystems of Lake Cerknica. If left unmanaged, plant residues can suppress vegetation growth by acting as mulch.
Pilot composting of biomass from Lake Cerknica has shown that the resulting compost is of high quality and suitable for various uses. The controlled decomposition process followed professional standards, ensuring a nutrient-rich final product.
According to regulations on biodegradable waste processing, this compost belongs to the highest (Class 1) quality category. Due to its high nutrient content and alkaline pH, it is recommended to mix it with garden soil in ratios of 1:3 or 1:4.
As part of the LIFE TRŠCA project, the compost will be available free of charge to local residents and visitors of Notranjska Park, who can test it in their gardens, farms, or green spaces.
Thank you for helping us protect nature and support sustainable solutions.
SURVEY: Have you received your package of Bedding pellets for small animals from the Meadows of Lake Cerknica? We would be delighted if you could share your opinion and experience with the product. Your feedback is very important to us. Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey available at the following link.
In the area of the Notranjska Park, efforts have been ongoing for several years to sustainably use dead biomass, which is left behind each year by the intermittent Lake Cerknica. This very special piece of the world, known for its periodic floods, produces large amounts of dead plant material every year – mainly meadows and reeds, which usually remain unused.
Within the LIFE TRŠCA project, in collaboration with the Austrian pelletizing center in Halbenrain, we have developed an innovative, completely natural product – bedding pellets for small animals, made from dried meadows of Lake Cerknica. This is a good practice example of how unused biomass can be transformed into an environmentally friendly and useful product through a sustainable approach.
Bedding pellets are mechanically compressed plant materials in the form of cylindrical granules, approximately 8 mm in diameter, intended for use as bedding for small animals.
Our pellets are:
Due to their origin and processing method, they are suitable for domestic animals (e.g., rabbits, rodents, cats) as well as for smaller farm animals.
The production of pellets takes place in several stages, with the key goal of preserving the natural composition of the material and achieving properties most suitable for bedding:
Pellets from lake plant materials offer numerous environmental, economic, and practical advantages compared to traditional bedding made of straw or sawdust:
In October 2024, we delivered the first test bale of dried lake plant material to the pelletizing center in Halbenrain (Austria), where the results showed excellent structure, high absorbency, and consistent quality of the pellets.
In the first phase of distribution, the pellets are being given for free to local residents in smaller packages (5 kg) so they can test and evaluate their usefulness in practice. Feedback will be crucial for further development and the possible establishment of local pellet production in the Notranjska region.
Through the LIFE TRŠCA project, sustainable management of reedbeds is promoted, the amount of waste biomass is reduced, and a good practice example is created, that could be transferred to similar areas in Slovenia and beyond.
Pellets from the plants of Lake Cerknica are more than just a practical product – they are a symbol of the circular economy and coexistence of humans with nature. By using them, we help reduce waste biomass, protect the environment, and explore new paths for sustainable development in the Notranjska Regional Park.
Thank you for helping us protect nature and support sustainable solutions.
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
