NOVAFERT: Nutrient Recycling in Practice

Both initiatives tested innovative fertilizers and fertilization strategies together with farmers. The results showed that circular fertilizers are a promising alternative to fossil-based fertilizers.

Lighthouse Demonstrations: Practical Examples of Circular Fertilizers

An important part of NOVAFERT is the organization of Lighthouse Demonstrations, where circular fertilizers are tested and evaluated. The focus is on:

• reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers

• practical application methods and fertilization strategies

• cost analysis and economic feasibility

To select the right demonstration fields, an Atlas of 53 nutrient-oriented Living Labs across Europe was compiled. Based on this, 7 to 10 Lighthouse Demonstrations were set up in different regions. Each site investigates how locally available circular fertilizers can be applied to achieve more sustainable farming.

The demonstrations attract not only farmers, but also researchers, policymakers, and companies. During these events, field trials and analyses are shared, allowing participants to experience the impact of circular fertilizers firsthand.

Lighthouse Demonstration at Inagro: Digestion and Field Trials

At Inagro, work focuses on the digestion of agricultural residues and pig manure as a strategy to reuse nutrients locally. In collaboration with NOVAFERT, Inagro organizes various field trials comparing bio-based fertilizers with synthetic fertilizers.

The first demonstration took place in June 2024 in Bottelare, where Ghent University organized a field trial day together with other projects such as NutriBudget. Participants were able to see several circular fertilizers in action, including:

• pig urine

• liquid fraction of digestate

• ammonium salts

• mineral concentrates

Another demonstration, organized with the Walnut and ReNu2Cycle projects, further explained the performance of bio-based fertilizers. The field trials showed that circular fertilizers can deliver comparable yields to conventional fertilizers, underlining their potential as a sustainable alternative.

What’s Next?

After the project concludes, the insights and practices from NOVAFERT will continue in initiatives such as NutriCycle Vlaanderen.
Want to know more? Visit the NutriCycle Vlaanderen website for the latest developments in circular fertilizers.