Periodic Reporting for period 3 - FERTIMANURE (Innovative nutrient recovery from secondary sources – Production of high-added value FERTIlisers from animal MANURE)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-01-01 bis 2024-06-30
The livestock population in Europe produces approximately 1,400 Mt of manure annually, with over 90% used directly for land fertilization. However, this method is inefficient and often results in nutrient loss. FERTIMANURE aims to address this by developing, testing, and validating advanced nutrient management strategies to recover valuable mineral nutrients and products from manure, ultimately producing safe, reliable fertilizers that can compete in the EU market boosting the circular economy model that enhances rural development by fostering synergies between farmers and related industries.
FERTIMANURE's focus has been twofold: implementing innovative nutrient recovery technologies and optimizing nutrient management strategies. The project deployed five on-farm experimental pilots in key livestock-producing countries (Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands). These pilots were supported by three tailored strategies: (1) on-farm production and use of Bio-Based Fertilizers (BBF), (2) on-farm BBF production with centralized Tailor-Made Fertilizers (TMF) production, and (3) on-farm TMF production and use.
After 54 months, FERTIMANURE has been able to successfully fulfil the different objectives established at the beginning. The project has produced a total of 18 BBFs from animal manure including mineral fertilisers, organic amendments and biostimulants.
Agronomic trials across Europe showed that FERTIMANURE’s BBFs and TMFs can achieve similar crop yields to conventional fertilizers. Additionally, these bio-based products demonstrated comparable environmental performance, with no significant differences in nitrate residue, ammonia, and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, 3 of the BBFs recovered could have potential for being authorised to be used in organic farming.
FERTIMANURE's focus has been twofold: implementing innovative nutrient recovery technologies and optimizing nutrient management strategies. The project deployed five on-farm experimental pilots in key livestock-producing countries (Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and The Netherlands). These pilots were supported by three tailored strategies: (1) on-farm production and use of Bio-Based Fertilizers (BBF), (2) on-farm BBF production with centralized Tailor-Made Fertilizers (TMF) production, and (3) on-farm TMF production and use.
After 54 months, FERTIMANURE has been able to successfully fulfil the different objectives established at the beginning. The project has produced a total of 18 BBFs from animal manure including mineral fertilisers, organic amendments and biostimulants.
Agronomic trials across Europe showed that FERTIMANURE’s BBFs and TMFs can achieve similar crop yields to conventional fertilizers. Additionally, these bio-based products demonstrated comparable environmental performance, with no significant differences in nitrate residue, ammonia, and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, 3 of the BBFs recovered could have potential for being authorised to be used in organic farming.
FERTIMANURE carried out several complementary activities, demonstrating that nutrients recovered from animal manure can be competitive in the EU fertilizers market, partially replacing synthetic fertilizers:
1. On-farm biorefineries: FERTIMANURE demonstrated the performance of five technological schemes for valorizing animal manure, recovering 18 different BBFs. A Decision Support System (DSS) was developed to assist farmers in selecting the best manure treatment scheme. One-pagers, available for both farmers and researchers, were created to present key information about the 18 BBFs in a clear and concise format.
2. Tailor-Made Fertilizers (TMFs): To properly work on the formulation of TMFs, FERTIMANURE has developed the TMF Nutrition Tool, a practical and versatile tool to optimize the combination of BBFs and mineral fertilizers, considering soil fertility, crop requirements, and regulatory constraints.
3. Agronomic performance: A total of 28 field trials and 21 pot trials were conducted in different regions across Europe with varying soil and climate conditions. Results showed that BBFs can produce crop yields similar to synthetic fertilizers, with no significant difference in environmental impacts, including nitrate residue, ammonia emissions, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
4. Safety and regulations: BBF safety parameters were evaluated in accordance with the European Fertilizing Product Regulation. A specific tool (FPR Tool) was developed to verify product compliance with regulatory requirements. A position paper was prepared to promote bio-based fertilizers in organic farming, and specific dossiers were created for products identified as having potential for this sector.
5. Sustainability: The Environmental Life Cycle Assessment identified electricity and chemical supply chains as major environmental hotspots, highlighting areas for optimization. The Life Cycle Costing analysis emphasized the importance of optimizing yields and pricing BBFs competitively for economic viability. Social Life Cycle Assessment showed that N-rich BBFs positively impact health and water scarcity, while P-rich BBFs help reduce reliance on imports from countries with inequality and labor issues.
6. Path to market: Eight business plans were developed for three types of BBF products: (i) mineral-based fertilizers, (ii) organic amendments, and (iii) bio-stimulants. Business model canvases were also created to map out the value chain. A Business Tool was developed to provide insights into BBF production and economic calculations.
7. End-user acceptance: Surveys conducted in nine languages, with 612 responses from eight countries, provided valuable insights into end-user preferences and willingness to purchase BBFs and TMFs. Additional stakeholder mapping, SWOT analysis, and meetings with key partners offered further insights.
8. Knowledge transfer and dissemination: The project engaged over 3,000 stakeholders through various activities. FERTIMANURE created a Ferti-Manure management package that includes 5 tools. The project also produced 18 one-pagers about BBFs, 15 Practice Abstracts, 16 scientific papers, 3 Position Papers, 6 videos, and more.
9. Clustering projects: FERTIMANURE played a key role in promoting the ESNI Community, a joint effort with the Biorefine Cluster Europe aimed at fostering nutrient recycling projects.
1. On-farm biorefineries: FERTIMANURE demonstrated the performance of five technological schemes for valorizing animal manure, recovering 18 different BBFs. A Decision Support System (DSS) was developed to assist farmers in selecting the best manure treatment scheme. One-pagers, available for both farmers and researchers, were created to present key information about the 18 BBFs in a clear and concise format.
2. Tailor-Made Fertilizers (TMFs): To properly work on the formulation of TMFs, FERTIMANURE has developed the TMF Nutrition Tool, a practical and versatile tool to optimize the combination of BBFs and mineral fertilizers, considering soil fertility, crop requirements, and regulatory constraints.
3. Agronomic performance: A total of 28 field trials and 21 pot trials were conducted in different regions across Europe with varying soil and climate conditions. Results showed that BBFs can produce crop yields similar to synthetic fertilizers, with no significant difference in environmental impacts, including nitrate residue, ammonia emissions, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
4. Safety and regulations: BBF safety parameters were evaluated in accordance with the European Fertilizing Product Regulation. A specific tool (FPR Tool) was developed to verify product compliance with regulatory requirements. A position paper was prepared to promote bio-based fertilizers in organic farming, and specific dossiers were created for products identified as having potential for this sector.
5. Sustainability: The Environmental Life Cycle Assessment identified electricity and chemical supply chains as major environmental hotspots, highlighting areas for optimization. The Life Cycle Costing analysis emphasized the importance of optimizing yields and pricing BBFs competitively for economic viability. Social Life Cycle Assessment showed that N-rich BBFs positively impact health and water scarcity, while P-rich BBFs help reduce reliance on imports from countries with inequality and labor issues.
6. Path to market: Eight business plans were developed for three types of BBF products: (i) mineral-based fertilizers, (ii) organic amendments, and (iii) bio-stimulants. Business model canvases were also created to map out the value chain. A Business Tool was developed to provide insights into BBF production and economic calculations.
7. End-user acceptance: Surveys conducted in nine languages, with 612 responses from eight countries, provided valuable insights into end-user preferences and willingness to purchase BBFs and TMFs. Additional stakeholder mapping, SWOT analysis, and meetings with key partners offered further insights.
8. Knowledge transfer and dissemination: The project engaged over 3,000 stakeholders through various activities. FERTIMANURE created a Ferti-Manure management package that includes 5 tools. The project also produced 18 one-pagers about BBFs, 15 Practice Abstracts, 16 scientific papers, 3 Position Papers, 6 videos, and more.
9. Clustering projects: FERTIMANURE played a key role in promoting the ESNI Community, a joint effort with the Biorefine Cluster Europe aimed at fostering nutrient recycling projects.
After completing all the project activities, the results obtained in FERTIMANURE have been able to demonstrate that Bio-based fertilisers from animal manure can have a direct contribution on reducing the high dependence that EU have on external sources for the supply of key fertilisers used in agriculture.
The following points summarises how FERTIMANURE was able to reach the different expected impacts:
1. FERTIMANURE pilots were able to recover relevant amount of the nutrients in the animal manure. 12 of the 18 BBFs recovered in FERTIMANURE pilots (almost 70%) could be considered compliant or could easily comply with the EU Fertilising Products Regulation with sanitisation step. Results showing the performance of the FERTIMANURE technologies can be found in the public Deliverables: D2.5. and D2.6.
2. BBFs and TMFs show high potential in reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers, though further optimisation is needed for some products, especially organic amendments. Results on the agronomic performance of FERTIMANURE products can be found in the public Deliverables: D4.5 and D4.6.
3. The assessment of nitrate residues in post-harvest soils revealed that tailor-made fertilisers (TMF) generally exhibit higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), showing a 30-50% reduction in NO3-N residues compared to mineral and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. In case of nitrogen bio-based fertilisers (i.e. ammonium sulfate), FERTIMANURE products showed similar risks for nitrate leaching, highlighting the need for careful application and management. Some trials did not show significant differences in nitrate residues, indicating variable outcomes depending on crop type and conditions. The results can be found in the Deliverable D4.6.
4. Eight business plans were produced corresponding to the three types of end-products: (i) mineral-based fertilisers, (ii) organic amendments and (iii) bio-stimulants. Moreover, the project prepared business model canvases that provide a clear overview of the whole value chain of diverse actors involved in BBF production/processing projects. The canvases deliver basic input information and can be further customised for stakeholders from different regions, providing them with support in assessing the feasibility of their cases.
The following points summarises how FERTIMANURE was able to reach the different expected impacts:
1. FERTIMANURE pilots were able to recover relevant amount of the nutrients in the animal manure. 12 of the 18 BBFs recovered in FERTIMANURE pilots (almost 70%) could be considered compliant or could easily comply with the EU Fertilising Products Regulation with sanitisation step. Results showing the performance of the FERTIMANURE technologies can be found in the public Deliverables: D2.5. and D2.6.
2. BBFs and TMFs show high potential in reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers, though further optimisation is needed for some products, especially organic amendments. Results on the agronomic performance of FERTIMANURE products can be found in the public Deliverables: D4.5 and D4.6.
3. The assessment of nitrate residues in post-harvest soils revealed that tailor-made fertilisers (TMF) generally exhibit higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), showing a 30-50% reduction in NO3-N residues compared to mineral and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. In case of nitrogen bio-based fertilisers (i.e. ammonium sulfate), FERTIMANURE products showed similar risks for nitrate leaching, highlighting the need for careful application and management. Some trials did not show significant differences in nitrate residues, indicating variable outcomes depending on crop type and conditions. The results can be found in the Deliverable D4.6.
4. Eight business plans were produced corresponding to the three types of end-products: (i) mineral-based fertilisers, (ii) organic amendments and (iii) bio-stimulants. Moreover, the project prepared business model canvases that provide a clear overview of the whole value chain of diverse actors involved in BBF production/processing projects. The canvases deliver basic input information and can be further customised for stakeholders from different regions, providing them with support in assessing the feasibility of their cases.