Toteutus alkanut
Phosphorus and nitrogen are essential nutrients to the food production. Phosphorus is an unrenewable resource, the exploitable share of which is constantly decreasing. The production of nitrogen fertilizers is a very energy intensive process. Part of the recyclable nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen in manure, are recovered and reused, but a considerable share is still leached into the waters (phosphorus and nitrogen) and air (nitrogen). Due to human activities, a lot of organic substances such as livestock manure, sludge from the wastewater treatment plants, various biomasses and food waste e.g. from households are generated.
A remarkable share of the nutrients in these substances remain unexploited or are ineffectively used. Nutrients should be recovered, exploited, and recycled optimally, thereby decreasing the use of unrenewable natural resources (phosphorus), saving energy needed in production of artificial fertilizers (nitrogen) and increasing nutritional self-sufficiency.
Improving the effectiveness of nutrient usage and recycling are essential above all for water protection, as this decreases the nutrient loading in water bodies as well as eutrophication. Improving the effectiveness of nutrient usage and recycling requires participation and commitment from all actors, companies, communities, and private citizens.
The aim of the project is to:
2016-2021
Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry