Towards circular phosphorus: The need of inter- and transdisciplinary research to close the broken cycle

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element to all living beings but also a finite resource. P-related problems center around broken P cycles from local to global scales. This paper presents outcomes from the 9th International Phosphorus Workshop (IPW9) held 2019 on how to move towards a sustainable P management. It is based on two sequential discussion rounds with all participants. Important progress was reported regarding the awareness of P as finite mineable resource, technologies to recycle P, and legislation towards a circular P economy. Yet, critical deficits were identified such as how to handle legacy P, how climate change may affect ecosystem P cycling, or working business models to up-scale existing recycling models. Workshop participants argued for more transdisciplinary networks to narrow a perceived science-practice/policy gap. While this gap may be smaller in reality as illustrated with a Swiss example, we formulate recommendations how to bridge this gap more effectively.

Sustainable lake restoration: From challenges to solutions

“…Given the growing concerns regarding water pollution, population growth, and scarcity of mineable P resources, there is a mounting need for ecological engineering approaches to develop nutrient recovery and recycling technologies, supporting both eutrophication control and food and energy security (Reitzel et al, 2019; Roy, 2017; Stamm et al, 2022; Vaccari et al, 2019). Below, we present examples of some case studies and the essential knowledge gaps that they reveal, directing future multidisciplinary research.…”

The Effect of Renewable Phosphorus Biofertilizers on Selected Wheat Grain Quality Parameters

“…PR is a finite, non-renewable and geographically restricted resource [12]. In addition, the PR economy is currently predominantly linear, with significant P wastage and loss from mine to fork (currently about 90%) [13], due to inefficient use of P fertilizers and high P losses to the environment [14]. In Europe, PR reserves are almost non-existent [12], both PR and P are critical raw materials [15], and most European countries are dependent on imported PR [16].…”

“…For the P economy in European countries, the significant increase in P prices since 2020 due to pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, trade wars and rising fuel prices, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, further disrupting the PR trade, is also of great importance [17]. Closing the P cycle and using P more efficiently, particularly in agricultural production, seems to be indispensable and inevitable not only in Europe but also at the global level [8,14].…”

Phosphorus requirement of barley and wheat for seed and food quality

“…Phosphorus (P) fertilisation is a key factor in securing high and constant yields in agricultural production. While the extraction of rock phosphates from geological deposits is limited, high P surpluses on agricultural land cause ecological problems (Stamm et al 2021). Although recent publications have drawn a less dramatic estimation than those of the past (Scholz and Wellmer 2013), even the most optimistic claims extend the availability of geological reserves by a few centuries at the most.…”

“…Although recent publications have drawn a less dramatic estimation than those of the past (Scholz and Wellmer 2013), even the most optimistic claims extend the availability of geological reserves by a few centuries at the most. Even though recent developments in P-recovery techniques point towards decreasing dependence on geological reserves (Stamm et al 2021), at this point in time, a reduction of application rates would appear to be the appropriate remedy. In addition, high P concentrations in foods can subsequently affect the bioavailability of micronutrients.…”