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Nutrient recycling potential of excreta for global crop and grassland production

Author

Listed:
  • Mariana Devault

    (Cornell University
    Centre Mondial de l’Innovation Roullier)

  • Dominic Woolf

    (Cornell University
    Cornell University
    Cornell University)

  • Johannes Lehmann

    (Cornell University
    Cornell University
    Cornell University
    Cornell University)

Abstract

Nutrient recycling from wastes to agriculture can contribute to food production by closing yield gaps, yet the global amount of poorly utilized nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in excreta at a subnational scale has been insufficiently explored. The global amounts found in human excreta and poorly utilized livestock excreta represent 16% (±7%), 8% (±9%) and 14% (±6%) of crop and grassland N, P and K needs, respectively. National recycling of nutrients in poorly utilized excreta could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% N, 3% P and 36% K. In countries where nutrient supply through locally available livestock excreta and mineral fertilizers do not meet nutrient requirements by crops and grasslands, the recycling of poorly utilized excreta could reduce this difference by, on average, 20% N, 11% P and 13% K, therefore contributing to the move towards a circular economy between food consumption and agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariana Devault & Dominic Woolf & Johannes Lehmann, 2025. "Nutrient recycling potential of excreta for global crop and grassland production," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 99-111, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:8:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41893-024-01467-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01467-8
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