Work Package 4: Removal of the dead biomass deposits and a pilot production of the products made of biomass surpluses

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:

Bedding pellets for small animals from the plant biomass of Lake Cerknica

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.
 

What are bedding pellets?

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:

• completely natural and safe to use,
• free of additives, chemicals, or impurities,
• made exclusively from local plant biomass, which is properly dried, ground, and compressed into a standardized shape.

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.

Production process

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:

1. Raw material acquisition
   The materials come from the wet meadows and reedbeds of Lake Cerknica. Suitable raw material contains no soil, mold, or rot, and the moisture content must be below 15%.
2. Grinding and preparation
   The bales are mechanically broken down, followed by pre- and final grinding to particle sizes smaller than 6 mm. If necessary, the material is further dried to achieve optimal moisture for pelletizing (around 10–12%).
3. Pelletizing
   The ground material is compressed through a matrix at temperatures between 90 and 130 °C. This process not only shapes the pellets but also sterilizes and disinfects the material.
4. Cooling and cleaning
   The resulting pellets are cooled and de-dusted to remove any small particles or dust. They are then packaged in various types of containers, ready for distribution.

Advantages of using bedding pellets

Pellets from lake plant materials offer numerous environmental, economic, and practical advantages compared to traditional bedding made of straw or sawdust:

• Exceptional absorbency – pellets can absorb up to 400% of their own weight, meaning less frequent bedding changes and better hygiene for animals.
• 100% natural product – free of chemicals or additives; after use, they can be composted, further reducing environmental impact.
• Less dust – due to the compressed form and cleaning during production, they contain very little dust, which benefits the respiratory health of animals.
• Sustainable solution for the local environment – by using excess biomass from Lake Cerknica:
  ✓ we reduce waste and improve circular use of natural resources,
  ✓ create economic potential for the local community,
  ✓ contribute to the preservation of wet meadows and reedbeds and their biodiversity.

First results and the future

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.