Boosting Organic Fertilizer Use
Enhancing the effectiveness of nutrient recycling is essential for advancing sustainable food production and safeguarding the nation’s supply resilience.
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Time for a Shift in Fertilizer Thinking
Although side streams from agriculture, livestock, and municipal sectors could substitute for a significant share of synthetic mineral fertilizers, the adoption of recycled nutrients remains relatively low. This is mainly due to barriers such as questionable price competitiveness, inconsistent content of recycled nutrients, uncertain local availability, logistical challenges, and complex support schemes under increasing regulatory pressure. As a result, organic fertilizers are often used only for soil conditioning or to meet subsidy requirements, rather than as primary nutrient sources. Nonetheless, recycled nutrients are rich in essential elements and improve soil quality over the long term — offering a clear competitive advantage over fossil-based fertilizers. |
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Mathematical Optimization Driving Change
To tackle this challenge, 3E Energy provides a digital optimization tool that supports farmers in using organic fertilizers more effectively. The tool calculates field-specific fertilization needs based on soil samples and the cultivated crop. It then matches these needs with available offerings from local recycled nutrient producers, while ensuring compliance with EU and national regulations, such as the Nitrates Directive and phosphorus limits. It also accounts for logistical and application cost-efficiency — a critical factor for farmers. The calculation logic makes organic fertilizers a more attractive and viable option for farmers. |
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Benefits and Impact
The optimization tool of 3E Energy acts as a bridge between farmers, organic fertilizer producers, and agricultural advisors, enabling data-driven, informed decision-making. By facilitating a new ecosystem, it empowers farmers and fertilizer providers to implement cost-effective, regulation-compliant fertilization practices that enhance long-term soil quality. At the same time, it opens new markets for organic fertilizer producers and drives demand for their products. Additionally, it supports the growth of spreading contractors, who play a key role in the application of organic fertilizers. The project introduces a method that streamlines the use of recycled fertilizers — a transition that will be essential in the near future. |
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Project Objectives: Accelerating Circular Agriculture
3E Energy is part of EIT Food Test Farms 2025 program. The project of 3E Energy aims to boost the use of recycled nutrients and strengthen sustainable agricultural practices by optimizing nutrient recycling. It connects farmers and agricultural advisors to generate more practical test results, while increasing visibility and impact through targeted marketing activities. Overall, the development activity accelerates nutrient cycling to replace fossil-based fertilizers, increases carbon sequestration in soils, and enhances agricultural sustainability through circular economy solutions. By improving the profitability of sustainably managed farms and creating new business opportunities for recycled nutrient producers, the project contributes to building a nutrient system aligned with circular economy principles. |