Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E006
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E006
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, E006 (2023)
The necessity of using alternative sources of phosphorus in the fertilizer industry
Paulina Bogusz1,2*, Marzena Sylwia Brodowska1, Piotr Rusek2
1 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
2 Fertilizers Research Group, Łukasiewicz Research Network–New Chemical Syntheses Institute, Al. Tysiąclecia Państwa Polskiego 13a, 24-110 Puławy, Poland
* Corresponding author: paulina.bogusz@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient that is vital for crop yields, alongside nitrogen and potassium. Its primary source in fertilizers is phosphates, of which China, the US, and Morocco process two-thirds of the world’s supply. The continuous increase in the demand for fertilizers is fueled by the growing global population’s food needs. Agricultural practices are responsible for almost 90% of all extracted phosphorus, which is a non-renewable resource. Additionally, the heavy metal cadmium, which is present in phosphate deposits, is a potential hazard to human health. As a result, the European Union has enforced limits on cadmium in fertilizers, which could lead to the need to find alternative sources of phosphorus. Recovering phosphorus from waste streams is one of the main pillars of sustainable fertilization, and it could help to reduce the EU’s dependence on external markets. Municipal wastewater treatment plants and agricultural waste are two primary sources of phosphorus-containing waste that could be processed for agricultural purposes. However, much of the phosphorus waste is still wasted, and proper identification and treatment methods need to be developed. Reducing food waste and making better use of food waste produced are other ways to reduce the need for introducing new phosphorus from phosphate rock into the system. The waste generated by the fertilizer industry, such as phosphogypsum, is another potential source of phosphorus. The management of sludge from the production of extinguishing agents is an interesting proposal for obtaining phosphorus. Sustainable phosphorus use requires improving fertilizer application practices and developing methods to recover and reuse phosphorus.
How to cite
P. Bogusz, M.S. Brodowska, P. Rusek, 2023. The necessity of using alternative sources of phosphorus in the fertilizer industry. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.E006