Abstract
The global increase in the demand for fertilizers and thus phosphorus (P) contributes to the depletion of P reserves and the need to recycle this element. This paper presents the results of a pilot-scale experiment on the possibility of using a fertilizer preparation containing alginate, Fe and P (AFP) obtained in the process of P adsorption from sludge water on a hydrogel alginate adsorbent cross-linked with iron (III) ions. The influence of AFP on the growth of a model plant of the Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Turtetra) was examined in comparison with differentiated mineral fertilization (MF) under the conditions of a pot experiment. The two fertilizers produced similar crop yields of the tested plant and had similar plant and soil macro- and micro-elements, except for the content of Fe and Cu in ryegrass, which was significantly higher with AFP fertilization. Further research on the use of the proposed sorbent for large-scale P recycling in an uncontrolled field environment should include acceptable limits for multivalent metal concentrations in wastewater, the mechanical/thermal stability, and the effectiveness of AFP under field conditions and a cost competitiveness. AFP has the potential to compete with mineral fertilizers for P fertilization, and this technology is in line with the EU circular economy vision.
Highlights
The intensification of food production generates increasing use of phosphate fertilizers, which on a global scale is at the level of 14 million t P/year [1]
A more significant share of sprouted seeds was found on the objects fertilized with mineral fertilizer (MF) for which it was on average 54%, while in the case of AFP fertilization, it was
The exception was sprouting at a dose of 60 kgP/ha, where AFP was much lower than MF
Summary
The intensification of food production generates increasing use of phosphate fertilizers, which on a global scale is at the level of 14 million t P/year [1]. Modern agriculture is dependent on phosphorus (P) derived from phosphate rock, which is a non-renewable resource. It is estimated that economically viable sources may be depleted in 50–100 years [2], while a review of the global resources of phosphate rock undertaken by the International Fertilizer. While the timing of the production peak may be uncertain, the fertilizer industry recognizes that the quality of existing phosphate rock is declining. The prospect of P shortages and depletion threatens global food security, and regions of insufficient soil nutrition levels are especially vulnerable [2,5]. Much of P is dispersed in the environment, approximately 55%
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