Contexte

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an oleaginous crop in the cruciferous family whose biological properties make it viable for rain-fed crop rotation, thus helping meet Common Agricultural Policy requirements in terms of crop diversification to favour sustainable agricultural production. However, uneven yields from one year to the next mean farmers are hesitant over planting and growing it. However, the cold-pressed camelina products made in Lleida have proven to be high quality. Camelina oil has a high percentage of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and low saturated fatty acids, with a very high percentage of omega-3 and antioxidants (13-20 mg kg-1). In addition, the cold-pressed cake has a high protein and low ash content, and an notable fat content, making it a potential ingredient for animal feed. Since the key to a sustainable cycle in agricultural systems is the proximity of its stakeholders (in relation to raw materials and end products), the aim is to associate camelina farming with the production of animal feed via the cake. However, the large number of farms in Lleida means excessive organic waste (slurry and manure) is produced, which can affect the productivity and quality of camelina. Thus there is a pressing need to determine the extent to which the type of fertiliser might influence both camelina yields and the quality of camelina products. If the results are positive, then the objective of creating a circular economy will have been partly achieved, contributing to a locally produced animal feed crop, thus avoiding major imports of foreign protein sources and organic waste as crop fertiliser, while increasing the added value of camelina farming, partly compensating for its lower crop yield compared to cereals.