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Struvite’s potential as an alternative phos-phorus source for organic agriculture

Bünemann-König, Else (2021) Struvite’s potential as an alternative phos-phorus source for organic agriculture. RELACS Practice abstract, no. 07. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, CH-Frick .

[thumbnail of buenemann-koenig-2021-RELACS_PA_07_struvite_FiBL_final.pdf] PDF - English
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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

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:Report
Country:Switzerland
Keywords:phosphorus, fertilizers, organic agriculture, magnesium ammonium phosphate, Struvite, wastewater, Abacus, RELACS, FiBL25054
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 EU Group
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
Deposited By: Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau, FiBL
ID Code:43739
Deposited On:11 Feb 2022 13:25
Last Modified:11 Feb 2022 13:25
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Not peer-reviewed

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