On February 14, 2024, the NENUPHAR project hosted an insightful workshop at FIMA 2024 in Zaragoza, Spain, aimed at addressing nutrient pollution and the need for sustainable nutrient management in agriculture. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss innovative practices for nutrient recycling and the development of new bio-based fertilizers.
The NENUPHAR project, funded by the European Union, is dedicated to advancing solutions for nutrient recovery from common waste streams such as manure, sewage sludge, and dairy wastewater. These solutions are critical in light of the ongoing nutrient pollution crisis and rising fertilizer costs, providing alternative, sustainable inputs for agriculture while supporting cleaner ecosystems.
The workshop offered a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives and ongoing efforts, including a detailed discussion of the current challenges faced by farmers and livestock producers in the Ebro River Basin. Participants gained insight into the regulatory framework surrounding biofertilizer use, as well as the applications of circular economy models in agricultural areas like the Canal de Aragón y Cataluña irrigation zone.
A key feature of the workshop was the presentation of a prototype plant in Spain, where the NENUPHAR team is implementing a novel ammonia stripping system to convert pig manure and digestate into valuable fertilizers. This initiative is part of the broader effort to create more sustainable agricultural systems that reduce nutrient pollution and meet the growing need for affordable fertilizers.
The workshop concluded with an open debate, allowing participants to explore additional solutions and governance models to further the project’s impact. This collaborative event underscored the importance of multi-actor cooperation in tackling nutrient pollution and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
