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Towards resolving the phosphorus chaos created by food systems
Paul J A Withers1, Kirsty G Forber2, Christopher Lyon3
1Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK. p.j.withers@lancaster.ac.uk.
Ambio
|September 23, 2019
Summary
Disruptions to the phosphorus (P) cycle in food systems cause environmental harm. Reducing P inputs by 40% and managing surpluses can improve P efficiency and decrease losses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Disorderly phosphorus (P) distribution and dispersal in food systems disrupt the P cycle, leading to environmental degradation.
- Analysis of European food systems in 2005 revealed low P use efficiency (38%) due to high fertilizer inputs relative to outputs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze phosphorus stores and flows in European food systems.
- To identify the drivers of low P efficiency and environmental losses.
- To explore solutions for a more sustainable phosphorus management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phosphorus (P) stores and flows across Europe in 2005.
- Correlation analysis between P imbalance, losses, system inputs, and animal densities.
- Modeling the impact of reducing regional P surpluses on system efficiency and losses.
Main Results:
- High fertilizer P inputs and animal densities correlated with regional P surpluses and system losses, causing P accumulation in soils and rivers.
- Reducing regional P surpluses to zero increased system P efficiency by 16% and decreased total P losses by 35%.
- Achieving zero P surpluses required a significant reduction (approx. 40%) in system P inputs, primarily fertilizer.
Conclusions:
- Addressing phosphorus chaos requires transdisciplinary, transformative solutions involving stakeholders across the food value chain.
- Lowering system P demand and improving regional governance of P resources are crucial for efficient and sustainable food systems.
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