EUBCE 2024 - Marielle TRENKNER - Nutrient Recycling from Urban Biomass Residue and Waste Streams for Reuse in Agricultural Production - A Case Study from Southwest Germany

Nutrient Recycling from Urban Biomass Residue and Waste Streams for Reuse in Agricultural Production - A Case Study from Southwest Germany

Short Introductive summary

Within the city of Stuttgart, Germany, 64,000 tons of organic waste and green waste, as well as 15,000 tons dry matter of sewage sludge are produced every year. These biomass residue and waste streams are packed with unused minerals for plant nutrition, which could potentially be processed and recycled. Recycling of the nutrient rich waste streams through bioeconomy conversion paths and technologies to produce fertilizers could benefit both the urban and the rural areas. This study determines the current demand for fertilizers for agricultural processes within the city (urban agriculture) and in rural areas of the Stuttgart region. The potential for waste utilization as recycled fertilizer is then calculated for selected biorefineries, specialized in fertilizer production through waste valorization. Recycled fertilizers produced in said biorefineries are characterized on the basis of their quality, and the legal framework conditions for biomass waste recycling, biobased fertilizer production and usability are determined.

M. Trenkner, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
I. Lewandowski, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
B. Müller, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY
J. Kurz, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GERMANY