CIAGRO-UMH · Facilities
Infrastructure for research, testing and collaboration
CIAGRO offers the sector facilities and technical environments for carrying out research, trials, validations and projects with an applied approach. Companies and organisations can access these capabilities to validate solutions, develop products or advance their innovation processes.
Our facilities
From the lab to the field
Four unique environments on the UMH Orihuela-Desamparados campus, at the service of applied research and collaboration with companies.
01 · Circular economy
COMPOLAB-UMH composting plant
Experimental composting plant on the Orihuela-Desamparados campus, next to the Segura river and facing the Sierra de Orihuela (Natura 2000 network). It allows controlled composting processes that simulate industrial conditions to validate new solutions before taking them to market.
What it is used for
- Turning, mixing and product-addition trials on compost piles.
- Validation of microbial consortia, additives, biostimulants and soil liquids.
- Quantitative assessment of greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O) and compost quality.
Who it is for
- Organic waste managers and treatment plants.
- Fertiliser, soil amendment and bioproduct companies.
- Cooperatives, farms and local authorities.
Reference project
COMPOST+ (IVACE+i, €171,499): reduction of N₂O emissions in industrial composting of biowaste, together with AIMPLAS, UPV, COBATUR, AGROTAN and CALPECH.
UMH TV report: A day in rural life
Genetics Research Group (animal production)
02 · Animal production
UMH Farm
Experimental farm on the Orihuela-Desamparados campus with Murciano-Granadina goats and Manchega sheep, linked to the Animal Production Science and Technology group (CITEPA). It is where research is carried out and knowledge is transferred to the livestock sector under real conditions.
What it is used for
- Machine milking trials and milk quality and safety.
- Studies on feeding, welfare and management of small ruminants.
- Genetic improvement and animal selection, in collaboration with the production sector.
Who it is for
- Livestock farms, cooperatives and the dairy industry.
- Manufacturers of milking equipment, feed and additives.
- Breeders' associations and public administrations.
03 · Plant genetic resources
Phoenix palm germplasm bank
National collection of the genus Phoenix and of the date palm, part of the network of germplasm banks coordinated by INIA (bank E-160) and managed from the Orihuela Higher Polytechnic School (EPSO-UMH). It is spread between the EPSO campus and the Palmetum of Orihuela.
What it is used for
- Conservation and characterisation of the genetic and morphological diversity of Spanish date palms.
- Study of the genus Phoenix: more than 30 species, subspecies and cultivar groups.
- Assessment of resistance to pests and diseases, such as the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), with more than ten years of monitoring.
- Seed bank stored at 4–5 °C after controlled drying.
Who it is for
- Nurseries and gardening and landscaping companies.
- Managers of historic palm groves, botanical gardens and city councils.
- Plant health and pest control companies.
04 · Agronomy
Experimental field station
Crop plots on the Orihuela-Desamparados campus where CIAGRO groups carry out agronomic trials under real field conditions, complemented by the institute's laboratories.
What it is used for
- Field trials of varieties, irrigation and fertilisation.
- Validation of biostimulants, soil amendments and new growing practices.
- Demonstrations and technical workshops with the sector.
How to access
Would you like to use our facilities?
Tell us what you need
Describe the trial, facility or type of collaboration you are looking for.
We connect you with the team
We identify the most suitable research group and infrastructure.
We design the collaboration
Trial, contract, joint project or technical visit, with a clear work plan.
Let’s talk about your trial or project
We help you find the right facility and team to validate your solution with scientific rigour.