The project leader is the University of Oldenburg. In addition to this, small-scale co-composting trials (1-2 m³) and planting trials (including seedling tests) are being carried out with the coal-based substrates. Tests are carried out in the laboratory to adapt the chemical and physical properties of coal to the requirements of plant cultivation. An environmental assessment (with energy and material flows) based on a life cycle analysis and the socio-economic analysis are also being carried out at the University of Oldenburg.

At the project partner Floragard - in contrast to the University of Oldenburg - the coal-based substrates are also mixed with other substrate components such as peat, miscanthus or wood fibres. Planting trials with different plant varieties and corresponding substrate analyses also provide information on the suitability of the substrates.

In order to test the practicality of co-composting, Moorkultur Ramsloh Werner Koch GmbH & Co KG is carrying out large-scale trials. Substrates with a volume of around 50 m³ are being created. Here too, the composting process is monitored and the substrates analysed. The finished substrates are then used in the planting trials by Floragard and the University of Oldenburg.