Biomasses in EU

Nutrient recycling is one important aspect of circular economy towards which EU strives for. It includes the concept of recovering the nutrients that are already being used in the society to reduce the need for extracting them from natural resources. The main nutrients considered here are nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The availability of different nutrient-rich side streams (organic biomasses) has been estimated for the European Union member states. Their amount and content of nitrogen and phosphorus are quantified, and their spatial distribution presented. The included side streams were those considered the most abundant and relevant from the nutrient recycling point of view;

1. Agricultural plant biomass -> Cereal straw
2. Biowaste from food industry -> Grape and olive pomace, Slaughterwaste
3. Livestock manure
4. Municipal sewage sludge
5. Municipal biowaste

Currently these biomasses take part in nutrient circulation, but their full potential is not yet harnessed.

Data of nutrient rich side streams, nitrogen, and phosphorus content is available via

LEX4BIO aims to reduce the dependence upon mineral/fossil fertilisers, benefiting the environment and the EU’s economy. The project will focus on collecting and processing regional nutrient stock, flow, surplus and deficiency data, and reviewing and assessing the required technological solutions. Furthermore, socioeconomic benefits and limitations to increase substitution of mineral fertiliser for BBFs will be analysed. A key result of LEX4BIO will be a universal, science-based toolkit for optimising the use of BBFs in agriculture and to assess their environmental impact in terms of non-renewable energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and other LCA impact categories. LEX4BIO provides for the first-time connection between production technologies of BBFs and regional requirements for the safe use of BBFs. 

The project runs from June 2019 to May 2024. It involves 20 partners and is coordinated by Luke (Natural Resources Institute Finland).