As a result of her scientific work at Ghent University and Munster Technological University, Milka Susan Kollannur Biju wrote a paper on "Advancing Nutrient Circularity in Agriculture: Critical perspectives on recycling-derived bio-based fertilisers, production, and adoption challenges."
This review examines recycling-derived bio-based fertilisers (RD-BBFs) as sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers. RD-BBFs are produced from organic waste sources—including animal manure, food waste, dairy sludge, and sewage sludge—through processes like composting, anaerobic digestion, and precipitation .
Key findings:
- RD-BBFs can replace 5.5–54% of mineral nitrogen and 13–40% of EU phosphorus needs
- Products like struvite and ammonium salts provide crop yields comparable to synthetic fertilisers
- Major barriers include nutrient content variability, contamination concerns, economic costs, and transportation challenges
- The Fertilising Products Regulation 2019/1009 supports RD-BBF adoption, though regulatory gaps remain
Conclusion: RD-BBFs are viable for closing nutrient loops and reducing fossil fuel dependency, but require technological innovation, uniform regulations, and public acceptance.
You can read Milka's full paper on this website.