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Struvite’s potential as an alternative phosphorus source for organic agriculture (RELACS Practice abstract)

{Tool} Struvite’s potential as an alternative phosphorus source for organic agriculture (RELACS Practice abstract). Creator(s): Bünemann-König, Else. Issuing Organisation(s): FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, IFOAM Organics Europe. RELACS Practice abstract, no. 07. (2021)

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Document available online at: https://relacs-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RELACS_PA_07_struvite_FiBL_final.pdf


Summary in the original language of the document

Outcome
Depending on the process, normally 12-22% of P present in wastewater is recovered in struvite. The P in struvite is not water-soluble but soluble in weak organic acids, such as those present in root exudates. The quality and purity of the final product depends on the production process, but contaminant levels are generally very low.
Practical recommendations
• Given the nutrient content of struvite (5% N, 28% phosphate (P2O5), 10% Magnesium (Mg)) we recommend using it to provide P together with limited amounts of N and Mg.
• We recommend the use of struvite for crops with continuous need for P. Struvite slowly dissolves in the soil over time, especially when solubilised by root exudates, such as citrate, or under acidic conditions. In contrast to rock phosphate, it becomes available to the plant over time, even in alkaline soils.
• The maximum amount to apply corresponds to the expected P removal by the crop. The recommended doses are similar to any other P fertiliser.
• Struvite can be used in all crops (arable, horticultural, forage).
• The product is formulated in granules of about 1 to 3 mm in diameter, allowing the use of normal farm machinery.
• Since struvite releases P rather slowly, application before or at sowing is recommended. Struvite must be incorporated into the soil after broadcast application. Use of struvite in rows is also possible.


EPrint Type:Practice tool
What problem does the tool address?:All crops need phosphorus (P) to grow. Negative P budgets deplete the soil’s P reserves in the long term. In organic farming, there are only a few permitted P sources. Use of P fertiliser can be crucial, especially when reliance on bio-logical nitrogen (N) fixation is high.
What solution does the tool offer?:Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) is a naturally occurring mineral used to satisfy plants’ phosphorus needs. Struvite obtained from municipal wastewater treatment plants allows P recycling (including some N) and can thus partially replace non-renewable P sources.
Country:Switzerland
Type of Practice Tool:Practice abstracts
Keywords:phosphorus, fertilizers, organic agriculture, magnesium ammonium phosphate, Struvite, wastewater
Agrovoc keywords:
Language
Value
URI
English
phosphorus
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_5804
English
fertilizers
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_2867
English
organic agriculture
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_15911
Subjects: Crop husbandry > Composting and manuring
Research affiliation: European Union > Horizon 2020 > RELACS
Switzerland > FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Switzerland > Crops > Composting and fertilizer application > Fertilizer application
Switzerland > FiBL - Research Institute of Organic Agriculture Switzerland > Soil > Nutrient management
International Organizations > International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM > IFOAM Organics Europe
European Union > Organic Farm Knowledge
Horizon Europe or H2020 Grant Agreement Number:773431
Related Links:https://relacs-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RELACS_PA_07_struvite_FiBL_final.pdf, https://www.fibl.org, https://organic-farmknowledge.org/de/tool/40053, https://www.facebook.com/organicfarmknowledge/posts/276099597636015, https://twitter.com/farm_knowledge/status/1404726766187470851
Project ID:ofk
Deposited By: Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau, FiBL
ID Code:40053
Deposited On:14 Jun 2021 09:55
Last Modified:02 May 2024 10:31
Document Language:English
Status:Published

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