Phosphorus is one of the main "ingredients" for healthy
plant growth. Plants get phosphorus from the soil. And
much of this phosphorus is applied to farm fields in the
form of fertilizers.
e major current source of phosphorus, which comes from
rock, is running out. It must be mined and then chemically
converted and transported long distances. is costs money
and uses valuable resources.
Researchers are looking at alternative ways to retrieve
phosphorus, such as in the form of struvite. Struvite is a
chemical compound that contains not only phosphorus but
magnesium and other elements like nitrogen, all important
nutrients for crops. Struvite has shown promise for use in
agriculture as an alternative fertilizer-phosphorus source. Both
greenhouse and row-crop studies suggest that struvite is a
viable fertilizer compound compared to traditional fertilizers.
Recovered Phosphorus from Wastewater
Can Be Reused on Farmland
Reusing phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants creates a cycle. Crops are grown on farms, sold
in markets, and eaten. Wastewater treatment plants recover valuable phosphorus, which is then applied
back on the farm. Credit: ASA-CSSA-SSSA staff
WHAT IS STRUVITE
AND HOW IS IT USED
Soil Science Society of America
farm406
44
