Mineral Circulates as an alternative to fertilizer

Mineral fertilizers are essential to our agricultural system; they provide life and help crops grow. Unfortunately, the use of synthetic fertilizers or animal manure has a negative impact on soil, air, and water. Recycling minerals from sources such as manure, sewage sludge, and wastewater can reduce environmental impact and offers benefits. Invest-NL, together with three scale-ups and in collaboration with consulting and engineering firm TAUW, investigated the reasons why circular minerals are not being used as a sustainable alternative to animal and synthetic fertilizers.

For the report ‘Impact of Circular Fertilizers’, Invest-NL and TAUW spoke with farmers and various companies about why circular minerals are not yet widely adopted and what measures are necessary to promote their use. The report indicates that current regulations hinder their use, the infrastructure is primarily aligned with artificial fertilizers, and the production of mineral concentrates is often not profitable due to cheap alternatives.

The results of the research help fertilizer producers better assess which products they should develop. They also promote synergy with existing infrastructure and make investments more attractive for financiers.

Recommendations for a More Sustainable Agricultural System

The report recommends developing an integrated national approach that supports local supply chains through legislation. There should also be a focus on new infrastructure that takes into account the liquid form and alternative applications of circular minerals. Additionally, investments are needed to further develop the product technically so that it better meets demand.

Moreover, the report examines opportunities to improve the business case for producing circular minerals, for example by intelligent linkages with green gas production and other methods of working through fertigation. This helps technology developers secure the right financing and contributes to the development of circular minerals that compete with the (too) cheap alternative, artificial fertilizer.

Rik Pantjes, team lead Agrifood at Invest-NL, emphasizes the crucial role of national governments and local parties: “A demand-side perspective shows that governments play an important role in stimulating demand, enabling production, and leveraging the local strength of circular minerals.”