Sweden’s dependence on imported mineral fertilizers conflicts with two urgent societal goals: strengthened food security and reduced eutrophication of lakes and seas. Phosphorus is a strategic input for agricultural food production – at the same time as inefficient phosphorus flows are one of the most important causes of eutrophication and long-term environmental and societal costs.
The results of the five-year demonstration project Circular NP – Better nutrient cycle for animal manure, conducted by BalticWaters in cooperation with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), show that phosphorus utilization can increase from 54% to 100% with targeted technology that reduces the need for mineral phosphorus.
Developing a functioning cycle for plant nutrients cannot be seen as a matter for individual farmers. It is a systemic issue where the benefits are largely societal (preparedness, environment, and climate), while the costs often fall on individual actors. The result is that the market is not established, even though solutions exist.
A strategic investment that reduces vulnerability
The transition to more circular agriculture is possible: the technology works, there are realistic scenarios for redistribution, and there is demand for circular fertilizer products. It is a strategic investment from several perspectives:
- Preparedness: It reduces import dependency and vulnerability in a volatile global market.
- Resource efficiency: It leads to better utilization of nutrients and reduced risk of leakage into the air and water.
- Circular economy: It contributes to the circular economy, where waste streams become inputs and create new value chains.
Environment and climate: reduced climate and environmental impact, and an important measure for the Baltic Sea.
In the coming years, we will focus our efforts on disseminating the results of the project to decision-makers and creating public opinion for a more circular agriculture, with the following goals:
- A national target is set for an increased proportion of recycled phosphorus and nitrogen in agriculture.
- Biogas support includes nutrient recycling and biofertilizer.
- A market that rewards recycled plant nutrients and includes traceability.
