Sustainability of Organic Farming in Europe Requires a Reconsideration of Nutrient Supply

Strategic Insights -

Current study results from the European Union have highlighted the need to reassess the nutrient use patterns and identify sustainable nutrient supply opportunities to achieve a 25% increase in organic agriculture by 2030. Researchers assessed the sustainability of nutrient origin and supply of 71 arable organic farms in 8 European regions, revealing significant deficits in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The study emphasized the importance of transitioning towards locally available recycled fertilizers from urban wastes to support the sustainable expansion of the organic sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • 24% of farms were found to have deficient nitrogen supply, while 66% and 56% had insufficient phosphorus and potassium, respectively.
  • On average, the study demonstrated a moderate surplus for nitrogen (28 kg ha(-1)), while phosphorus and potassium balances were close to zero (-1 and 2 kg ha(-1), respectively).
  • The use of external input types was significant, with conventional manures supplying 17-26% of external nutrients and inputs from non-agricultural origin supplying 31-41%.
  • A large proportion of nutrient sources within the non-agricultural origin group were materials derived from urban wastes.
  • The study concluded that acceptance of locally available recycled fertilizers from urban wastes by organic farmers is high, provided they are considered safe.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems.

Statistics:

  • 71 arable organic farms in 8 European regions were assessed in the study.
  • 24%, 66%, and 56% of farms had deficient nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supplies, respectively.
  • Average nitrogen surplus was 28 kg ha(-1), while phosphorus and potassium balances were close to zero (-1 and 2 kg ha(-1), respectively).
  • 17-26% of external nutrients were supplied by conventional manures.
  • 31-41% of external nutrients were supplied by inputs from non-agricultural origin.
  • A large proportion of nutrient sources within the non-agricultural origin group were materials derived from urban wastes.

Sources:

  • Sustainable Growth of Organic Farming In the Eu Requires a Rethink of Nutrient Supply. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2024;129(3):299-315.
  • Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems can be contacted at: Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 GZ Dordrecht, Netherlands (www.springer.com; www.springerlink.com/content/1385-1314/).