Filtersystems for a sustainable agriculture

The North Sea region is an intensive farming area. Nutrient inputs from land have resulted in eutrophication in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal zones.Project NuReDrain aims at developing technology for local trapping phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in agricultural streams such as drainage discharges and greenhouse effluents. Regulatory practices in the different countries and regions of the North Sea area are considered insufficient to reduce the nutrient losses.

Local trapping of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N)

Where seperate P and N removal from argicultural flows has been proven on lab- and small pilot scale the combination of a N removal technology and a P filter technology has been rarely demonstrated. Through the exchange of knowledge, the jointly develop cost-effective filter technologies targeting nutrients removal for different situations and regions, reuse the recovered P for agricultural purposes and eventually work out implementation guidelines for the North Sea Region.

In this way the main source of diffuse nutrient losses can be mitigated in high-risk areas. Eventually this will contribute to the long-term sustainable management of North Sea aquatic ecosystems.

 

 

Partners involved

 

Aarhus University, Copenhagen University, University of Leuven, Ghent University,VITO, Vlakwa, Rostock University, Inagro, PC Sierteelt, De Watergroep, Landwirtschaftskammer Niedersachsen
Oldenburgischer Ostfriesischer Wasserverband