Phosphorus is a crucial nutrient for growing crops that become food on our plates. Without phosphorus, modern agriculture cannot function. At the same time, large quantities of phosphorus are lost when it is not taken up by crops or is washed away from fields, contributing to eutrophication of lakes and seas. With modern technology, domestic phosphorus utilisation could increase from today’s 54 per cent to 100 per cent, reducing import dependency and strengthening Sweden’s level of self‑sufficiency.
A dual challenge: import dependence and eutrophication
Today, Sweden is heavily dependent on imported mineral fertilisers, the price of which is largely driven by energy and fuel costs as well as geopolitical developments. This stands in the way of two important societal goals:
- strengthened food preparedness
- reduced eutrophication of lakes and seas, not least the Baltic Sea
The Government has stated¹ that phosphorus inputs to the Baltic Sea must be reduced significantly by 2030, while national food production² and self‑sufficiency must increase. The environmental quality objectives highlight agriculture as a key sector for reducing nutrient losses.
Circular flows deliver both environmental and preparedness benefits
Recycling plant nutrients would make it possible both to reduce nutrient leakage and to strengthen Swedish food production. This is a systemic issue with major societal benefits: preparedness, environment and climate.
However, the costs of investing in technology and handling recycled fertilisers often fall on individual actors, such as farmers.
Today, there is no functioning market for circular fertiliser products. By this we mean a market where products can be produced, standardised and sold at scale under conditions and prices that make them competitive. Developing effective nutrient cycles is not just a matter for individual farmers – it is a societal issue.
The technology exists – but the market is missing
Results from the five‑year demonstration project Circular NP – Better nutrient cycles for animal manure, carried out by BalticWaters, SLU and RISE, show that:
- technology for recycling plant nutrients can work in practice, from manure to finished fertiliser product, and can be scaled up
- the use of this technology can increase phosphorus utilisation from 54 per cent to nearly 100 per cent
- this would reduce the need for imported mineral phosphorus, strengthening Sweden’s supply security
- demand for circular fertiliser products among farmers is high
The decisive bottleneck is economics and market conditions. Production costs for recycled fertilisers are high, while imported mineral fertilisers have historically been inexpensive. As a result, circular products struggle to compete, despite delivering substantial societal benefits.
Targeted measures are needed
To realise these societal benefits and establish a functioning market, several targeted measures are required, for example:
- A national target for increased recycling of phosphorus (and nitrogen) in agriculture, with annual follow‑up and links to relevant support schemes and programmes.
- Expanded biogas support schemes that also include nutrient recovery and digestate. If the state invests in biogas as a climate measure, the value of the digestate should be utilised.
- Creating a functioning market for recycled plant nutrients through common national standards and by increasing demand, for example via public procurement or compensation that reflects the environmental benefits provided by these products.
Sweden needs a plan
The technology exists. Demand exists. The societal benefits are substantial – for preparedness, for the Baltic Sea and for the climate. Despite this, progress is stalled because the market lacks the standards, logistics solutions and policy instruments required for circular products to become competitive.
Sweden needs a national target and a plan to establish a functioning market for recycled plant nutrients. Doing nothing is the wrong choice. It prolongs import dependence and increases eutrophication. It is time to move from research projects to systemic change.
Mineral fertilisers
Mineral fertilisers, also known as synthetic fertilisers, are produced through chemical processes that are energy‑intensive. Their advantages include predictable nutrient content and relatively low prices. The disadvantages are the environmental problems associated with their production and use: greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change, eutrophication of waters and seas, and degradation of soil health. In natural systems, all nutrients are recycled. With mineral fertilisers, we add large amounts of new nutrients, creating nutrient surpluses in many areas. By recycling nutrients from manure, we reduce dependence on mineral fertilisers. This benefits Sweden’s preparedness, our soils and our seas.
A strategic investment to reduce vulnerability
A transition towards more circular agriculture is important for several reasons:
– Preparedness: reduced import dependence and greater resilience in an uncertain world
– Resource efficiency: nutrients are retained instead of leaking into the environment
– Circular economy: residual streams become inputs, creating new value chains
– Environment and climate: reduced environmental and climate impact, and a key measure for the Baltic Sea
In Brief
Sweden can both reduce eutrophication and strengthen food preparedness by recycling plant nutrients – the technology exists and demand is high. But the market is missing: circular products cannot compete with cheap imported mineral fertilisers, despite their significant societal benefits. To solve the dual challenge of eutrophication and import dependence, a national target, standards and policy instruments are needed to create a functioning market and make nutrient recycling a natural part of the agriculture of the future.
[1] In the Budget bill, i.e. the Government’s proposal for the 2026 national budget, the phosphorus issue is addressed under Expenditure Area 20 – Climate, Environment and Nature.
[2] Food Strategy 2.0 includes targets and a clear plan for increasing domestic food production and strengthening preparedness.
