Project
Circular Fertilisers for Greenhouse Horticulture
The circular economy is a model that aims to bring all economic activities within the carrying capacity of planet Earth. Agriculture and Horticulture use still many linear resources. Among other things, there are shortages of raw materials such as fresh water, phosphate and potassium. The Dutch greenhouse horticulture is pioneer in innovation and is looking for alternative circular solutions.
The goal is to solve problems in the transition of linear (chemical) fertilisers into circular fertilisers for Dutch greenhouse horticulture. This is realised while paying attention to technical, economic, and societal implications.
The result is a 50% replacement of the present-day use of linear fertilisers in container plant production and a 10% replacement of the present-day use of linear fertilisers in fruit vegetables and cut flowers within five years after the project.
This is realised by
1) biobased and biodegradable coatings to make slow-release circular solid fertilisers for mid tech and high tech hybrid cultivation systems;
2) by developing circular soluble fertilisers to allow the continued use of drip irrigation technology in high tech cultivation systems; and
3) by developing the application technology for fertiliser sludges in low tech cultivation systems.
The impact of the project is that greenhouse horticulture:
- Will reduce the use of linear (chemical) fertilisers from 82.500 to 72.500 ton/year (12%) in 2030 with the potential to reach 50% before 2040.
- Will become a publicly visible part of the new circular economy for consumers and authorities.
- Will have an appealing and proven story for customers.
- Will be an example of relevance for sectors with similar use of fertilisers (fruit and tree cultivation).
- Will be able to ask authorities for specific adaptations in legislature regarding circular fertilisers on all three technology levels.
- Will help other sectors solve problems with the re-use of plant and animal residue.