A major part of FERRO’s development is following the path to the set objectives, goals and expected outcomes. With its continuous work in lake monitoring and restoration, FERRO has found a way for improving phosphorus management. 

Background: Why do we need nutrient recycling and improved phosphorus management?

Phosphorus is a finite but essential resource for agriculture. Yet, excessive losses of farming soils are a lead cause of nutrients pollution on lakes. This leads to many negative consequences. Meanwhile, the phosphorus in soils and reliance on artificial fertilizers emphasize the inefficiencies in current nutrient management systems. This fails to promote nutrient recycling in the landscape. Therefore, there is a need for circular, nature-based solutions supporting both sustainable agriculture and lake restoration. 

How will this be achieved: FERRO’s input

FERRO works on improving the supervision and efficient use of phosphorus by applying two approaches. The first approach aims to increase the circulation of nutrients by recycling dewatered residue from lakes with high levels of nutrients. The collected nutrient residue and iron-filtered material will then be used as an organic fertiliser to rural fields around Lake Omstrup in Denmark. 

The second approach is focused on improving the use of phosphorus efficiency in farming soils to decrease leaching and increase crops availability. This will be achieved by applying natural soil bacteria which dissolves the phosphorus forms into plant-available ones. 

Who will benefit from this?

The proposed nutrient recycling and phosphorus management approach benefits multiple stakeholder groups across the land-water continuum. Lake managers and environmental authorities will benefit from reduced internal phosphorus loading and improved ecological recovery of eutrophic lakes. Farmers and the agricultural sector will benefit from improved soil fertility, increased crop yields, and reduced reliance on chemical phosphorus fertilisers, leading to lower input costs and more sustainable nutrient management. Policymakers, water managers, and society benefit from reduced eutrophication pressures, improved water quality, and more efficient use of finite phosphorus resources.