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Updated: Feb 10, 2026
10:49
Laboratory-determined Phosphorus Flux from Lake Sediments as a Measure of Internal Phosphorus Loading
Published on: March 6, 2014
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Closing the phosphorus cycle in a food system: insights from a modelling exercise
H R J van Kernebeek1, S J Oosting1, M K van Ittersum2
11Animal Production Systems Group,Wageningen University & Research,PO Box 338,6700 AH,Wageningen,the Netherlands.
Summary
Recycling phosphorus (P) waste, especially from human excreta, can significantly reduce reliance on finite phosphate rock. Optimizing animal protein intake alongside waste management is key for sustainable food systems.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Food Systems Analysis
Background:
- Mineral phosphorus (P) is a finite resource crucial for crop fertilization.
- Inefficient P use and waste in food systems increase dependency on phosphate rock.
- Sustainable food security necessitates preventing and recycling P waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and assess the potential of preventing and recycling P waste in a food system.
- To reduce the dependency on finite phosphate rock resources.
- To evaluate the impact of dietary animal protein on P sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Developed a hypothetical food system model for the Netherlands, excluding imports/exports.
- Included representative crop and animal production systems with assumed minimal soil P losses.
- Evaluated P input reductions through waste prevention and recycling scenarios (crop, animal, human excreta).
Main Results:
- Human excreta accounted for approximately 60% of P waste in the baseline scenario.
- Full P recycling could decrease mineral P input by up to 90%.
- Recycling human excreta offered the greatest P waste reduction potential, followed by prevention and agricultural waste recycling.
Conclusions:
- Recycling human excreta and preventing food waste are critical for reducing P dependency.
- Optimal animal protein consumption for P sustainability depends on waste management practices.
- Model principles are applicable to diverse food systems, informing resource management strategies.
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