Innovative manure-based fertlizers

Authors: Durso, Lisa

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/29/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: One of the barriers to implementation of a robust circular bioeconomy is the linear flow of nutrients in modern production systems, with synthetic fertilizers as inputs and large quantities of nutrient-rich animal manures treated as waste. Historically, U.S. fertilizer options have been an either – or decision, with organic producers relying to a great extent on manures as fertilizers, and conventional producers preferring the consistency, performance, and ease of operation provided by synthetic mineral based fertilizers. But rising costs and supply chain issues highlight the challenges of faced by use of conventional fertilizers relying on distantly sourced ingredients. Recently, there is a growing culture of innovation surrounding the sustainable re-use of manure nutrients and organic matter by the creation of hybrid products. This includes variations on recovery of nutrients from manures to be used as individual ingredients, as well as single co-formulated products that combine manures or manure by-products with mineral and/or synthetic components in a single, co-formulated product. This talk will provide a brief overview of innovative manure-based fertilizers, and an introduction to topics covered in this special section.