Background Exploitation of peatlands has been steadily increasing over the last 25 years, leading to the loss of 70% of peatland areas in Europe and, in some cases, to the destruction of natural habitats. Yet, peat remains important for horticultural growing, with no reliable alternatives in sight. Tested alternative materials, such as tree bark, wood fibres, composted sludge and green waste, have not been accepted by producers as acceptable substitutes. The recent EU Waste Directive supports the re-use of the sediments dredged in ports which, unlike those dredged from highly contaminated sites, can be re-used without specific remediation actions (if they do not contain excessive levels of organic and inorganic contaminants, as determined by official methods). However, current EU legislation is unclear on the possibility of using treated dredged sediments as by-products in agriculture, and European countries rely on their own national legislation frameworks or on the regulations of local authorities. Objectives The general objective of the LIFE HORTISED project is to demonstrate the suitability of dredged remediated sediments as an alternative to peat in the preparation of growing media in horticulture. It will demonstrate the potential of an innovative sediment-based growing media in the cultivation of pomegranate and strawberries, as representative plants at farm scale in Italy and Spain. Results will be compared with the typical cultivation of the same fruits grown with the use of the traditional peat-based growing media. Finally, the project will draw up guidelines for the safe and sustainable use of sediments as components of horticultural growing media. Expected results: An innovative technology and related protocols for more sustainable fruit production achieved with sediment-based growing media; Evaluation of the suitability of the sediments for growth in containers and production of two fruit species (pomegranate and strawberry), also with respect to heavy metals and other pollutants contents; Morphological, biochemical and sensorial characterisation of two strawberry and two pomegranate cultivars, grown on substrates containing treated sediments; 10-20% reduction in the use of peat due to its replacement with treated sediments; and 80-90% reduction in CO2 emissions linked to the replacement of peat with treated sediments.