Regulatory framework for Exogenous Organic Matter (EOM) recycling: Alignment with soil contaminant threshold values
- Van Der Smissen, H. (2026). Regulatory framework for Exogenous Organic Matter (EOM) recycling: Alignment with soil contaminant threshold values. Lecture in: XIII Farm Machinery and Process Management in Suistainable Agriculture,
| Type | Audiovisual Material |
| Year | 2026 |
| Chapter title | Regulatory framework for Exogenous Organic Matter (EOM) recycling: Alignment with soil contaminant threshold values |
| Event Name | XIII Farm Machinery and Process Management in Suistainable Agriculture |
| Abstract | Exogenous organic matters (EOMs) refer to processed organic materials de-rived from various sources that can be used in agriculture. While the applica-tion of EOM improves soil fertility and supports circular economy objectives, it may also introduce contaminants with the potential to accumulate in soils. To promote organic waste recycling while controlling soil contamination risks, the Fertilising Products Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 was adopted, es-tablishing threshold values for trace metals in fertilisers and including organ-ic products that, once CE-certified, are no longer classified as waste. In Wal-lonia (Belgium), a scientific study was commissioned to revise decision-making guidelines for EOM application on soils, regardless of their legal sta-tus, ensuring consistency with soil contaminant threshold values defined in the Walloon Soil Decree. The proposed methodology derives acceptable contaminant flow rates from soil threshold values, defined as a permissible increase equivalent to 20% of the soil threshold over a 100-year period under a net accumulation assumption. Based on this framework, three EOM quality classes were defined using maximum application rates of 2, 4 and 6 tDM·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹ to ensure compliance with soil protection objectives. Contami-nant limit values for EOMs were compared with those set in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 to assess practical applicability. While suitable for most trace metals, the approach is limited for copper and zinc due to the net accumula-tion assumption and their role as essential micronutrients. This limitation could be addressed by integrating contaminant-specific fate processes such as crop uptake. The framework is transferable to any region or country with defined soil contaminant thresholds and can support regulatory assessments using local EOM composition data. |
| Fichier | |
| Auteur de la publication | Van Der Smissen, H. |
