Transition to Circular Economy in the Fertilizer Sector—Analysis of Recommended Directions and End-Users’ Perception of Waste-Based Products in Poland

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) is an economic model, in which raw materials remain in circulation as long as possible and the generation of waste is minimized. In the fertilizer sector, waste rich in nutrients should be directed to agriculture purposes. This paper presents an analysis of recommended directions for the use of nutrient-rich waste in fertilizer sector and an evaluation of possible interest in this kind of fertilizer by a selected group of end-users (nurseries). The scope of research includes the state-of-the-art analysis on circular aspects and recommended directions in the CE implementation in the fertilizer sector (with focus on sewage-based waste), and survey analysis on the potential interest of nurseries in the use of waste-based fertilizers in Poland. There are more and more recommendations for the use of waste for agriculture purposes at European and national levels. The waste-based products have to meet certain requirements in order to put such products on the marker. Nurserymen are interested in contributing to the process of transformation towards the CE model in Poland; however, they are not fully convinced due to a lack of experience in the use of waste-based products and a lack of social acceptance and health risk in this regard. Further actions to build the social acceptance of waste-based fertilizers, and the education of end-users themselves in their application is required.

The consumer perception and purchasing attitude towards organic food: a critical review

“…It is said that societal norms and eco-friendly obligations help in upgrading and enhancing the behavioral aspect of an individual (Paul et al , 2016). There have been some studies in the past where societal norms have not been given much value in determining the behavioral aspect of the people (Sharma and Singhvi, 2017; Verma et al , 2020; Smol, 2021), whereas Moore (2004) in his writing stated that societal and environmental norms have developed an ethical consumerism effect, which as a result developed a positive perception among the customers for the adoption of organic food products as well as to develop a sense of responsibility toward the environment (Michalikova et al , 2022).…”

“…The development has marked the production of new types of fertilizers and manures named organic manures which gained popularity in most of the developed countries in Europe and also enhanced the development of the organic food market (Verma et al , 2020; Smol, 2021). Hassaan and El Nemr (2020) stated that the customers were concerned about the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in the soil, which impacts the health of the people indirectly; thus, this remarks that consumers are cautious regarding their type of food consumption pattern in this regard.…”

“…Certification from the government or any other concerned organization is an important step to authenticate organic products and encourages customers to adopt organic food products; also, this labeling helps the consumer to verify the quality of food products; thus, to access the market supply chain, it is very important for farmers to verify their products at government's website (Smol, 2021).…”

Production, Mechanisms, and Performance of Controlled-Release Fertilizers Encapsulated with Biodegradable-Based Coatings

“…Fertilizers are an essential nutrient source for plants and crops, and their use is expected to increase to fulfill the growth in food demand in the following decades. − However, as reported with other agrochemicals, the extensive use of fertilizers is associated with a variety of environmental issues. , These occur both at the point of use (e.g., eutrophication and release of nitrous oxides), as well as during their production (e.g., energy demand). , As a result, sustainable agricultural practices are required to maintain, or even improve, soil fertility and minimize other environmental impacts. , …”

“…Unfortunately, the extensive use of chemical fertilizers as reported with other agrochemicals is associated with environmental issues, and more sustainable agricultural practices are required to maintain and improve soil fertility. , The main macronutrients contained in chemical fertilizer formulations (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium) are supplied to the natural soil as salts, and root crops actively absorb these minerals as assimilable ions (e.g., NO 3 – , NH 4 + , H 2 PO 4 – , HPO 4 2– , K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and SO 4 2– ). ,, Yet, large quantities of these agrochemicals might remain in the soil matrix, which in addition to poor nutrient use efficiency (NUE) will lead to groundwater and surface water pollution by runoff or leaching. − …”