Cleantechfestival 2013 - NutriCycle from MIP Vlaanderen on Vimeo.
"Conversion of nutrients from animal manure/digestate into valuable green mineral fertilizers could thus create a positive economic value. In the MIP Nutricycle project an unique consortium of companies, research partners and administrations was composed to provide the necessary ingredients for a successful realization of the ‘missing-link’ in nutrient upgrading to the level of mineral fertilizers replacements. To achieve this goal, three possible technological routes for refining NPK fertilizers from animal manure and digestate are being investigated: (i) stripping/scrubbing, (ii) struvite formation and (iii) advanced separation through lab and pilot scale testing. The resulting products are further validated in full-scale field trials to assess their fertilization value when bench marked against conventional fertilization regimes consisting of animal manure in combination mineral fertilizer application. To further stimulate closing of the nutrient loops, due attention is also given to the required legal framework and the potential market value of the derived products. Finally, we also aim at benchmarking the techniques under investigation to an inventory of upcoming techniques in Flanders and neighboring countries. Recuperation and cradle-to-cradle re-use of macronutrients from manure and digestate derivatives is an important challenge in the further development of sustainable agriculture, green chemistry and renewable energy production through anaerobic digestion. The results obtained in the MIP Nutricycle project can act as a catalyst to further tackle these issues, thus turning manure and digestate into an opportunity instead of a challenge."
According to: Michels, E., Meers, E., & Van Amelsfort, N. (2013). Nutricycle: green fertiliser from manure and digestate. Renewable Resources and Biorefineries 9, Abstracts. Presented at the 9th International conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries (RRB-9)