LIFE4FARMS - Innovative nature-based solutions for the elimination of nutrients and veterinary pharmaceuticals from livestock agricultural runoff

The LIFE4FARMS project introduces Wet4Agro, an enhanced nature-based solution combining strategic drainage, advanced substrates (pumice, ceramic shards), and wetlands to remove nutrients, veterinary drugs, pathogens and resistance genes from livestock wastewater. It targets >70% nitrogen removal and >80% elimination of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and hormones.

Three full-scale prototypes will be built, one in the Czech Republic and two in the Azores. Each system will be built specifically according to climate, hydrology, pollutant loads and local resources. With these prototypes LIFE4FARMS will create a Decision Support Framework, enabling replication of the systems around the world, with awareness of climate, maintenance and process control. 

The aim of the project is to promote sustainable water management in agriculture by improving water quality, biodiversity, and resilience through an affordable, low-energy nature-based solution.