10 de June de 2026
This report provides an initial identification and comparative analysis of the regulations and policies related to phosphorus (P) management in Spain, France, and Portugal, developed within the framework of the ENDORSE project. Its objective is to determine the regulatory and public policy frameworks that influence phosphorus recovery and valorization across the SUDOE region, as well as to identify barriers, areas for improvement, complementarities, synergies, and differences among the three countries.
The analysis, based on a review of the relevant European policy framework and five regional contributions from project partners, confirms that Spain, France, and Portugal share a common regulatory foundation derived from the EU acquis communautaire. However, they differ in the degree of implementation, coordination between administrative levels, and the maturity of their circular economy instruments.
The report identifies several key challenges, including regulatory uncertainty regarding the classification and market placement of certain recovered phosphorus products, fragmented responsibilities across the water, waste, and agricultural sectors, administrative complexity, weak market signals, and the need to strengthen traceability, quality control, and social acceptance.
At the same time, the report highlights opportunities for improvement, such as clarifying regulatory pathways, simplifying administrative procedures for pilot projects and large-scale deployment, creating demand for recovered phosphorus fertilizers, and better integrating nutrient recovery into agricultural, environmental, and circular economy policies.
Overall, the findings provide a common basis for advancing a shared and actionable agenda that supports the transition towards a more circular, secure, and resilient phosphorus management model in the SUDOE region.
The pilot trial analyzes the effect of soil moisture and ground cover management on the intensity of spring frosts in a plum orchard, comparing different management approaches that combine irrigation and vegetation practices. This experimental setup allows for the evaluation of both the individual influence of these factors and their interaction on crop thermal behavior, with the aim of identifying effective practices to reduce frost damage.
The pilot trial analyzes the effect of soil moisture on the intensity of spring frosts in a kiwi orchard, comparing conditions with and without prior irrigation. This approach makes it possible to assess the role of soil water in the thermal behavior of the crop and to identify effective practices to reduce frost damage.
The pilot trial analyzes the effect of soil moisture and ground cover management on the intensity of spring frost in a cherry orchard, comparing different irrigation and soil management conditions. This approach makes it possible to assess how these factors influence the thermal behavior of the crop and to identify effective practices to reduce frost damage.
The pilot trial analyzes the effect of soil moisture and ground cover management on the intensity of spring frost in an apple orchard, comparing different management approaches. This setup makes it possible to assess both the individual influence of these factors and their interaction, supported by a monitoring system of climatic and soil conditions. The aim is to identify effective practices to reduce frost damage.
The pilot trial analyzes the effect of soil moisture on the intensity of frost in an apricot orchard, comparing two management strategies: wet soil through prior irrigation and dry soil without irrigation. A monitoring system is used to accurately assess the thermal behavior of the crop and identify effective practices to reduce frost damage.
The pilot trial carried out in Bragança evaluates innovative strategies to reduce frost damage in fruit crops, focusing on cover crops and biostimulants. Using sensors and drones, it aims to generate knowledge and promote sustainable solutions to improve agricultural resilience to climate change.
The pilot trial developed in Lleida (Mollerussa and Gimenells) evaluates micro-sprinkler systems for frost protection in fruit crops. Different technologies are compared under real field conditions to improve their design, management and efficiency. The actions include the installation of irrigation infrastructure, automation and monitoring systems, with the aim of reducing losses, optimizing water use and supporting the adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change.
This is a pilot project under the An-Gel programme that evaluates a high-precision microsprinkler system to protect vineyards against spring frosts in Viseu (Portugal). The solution consists of spraying water to maintain plant temperature and prevent damage, offering an efficient, sustainable, and low-energy alternative to reduce agricultural losses.