Barriers and Drivers of Using Alternative Fertilizers in Sustainable Agriculture: Case Study of Poland

Fertilizers are crucial for enhancing soil fertility and agricultural productivity, playing a pivotal role in modern farming practices. However, the reliance on mineral fertilizers has raised concerns due to their environmental impacts, including soil degradation, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, there is growing interest in sustainable alternatives that leverage organic waste streams to recycle nutrients back into agricultural systems. Alternative fertilizers produced from such as sewage sludge, animal manure and digestate, are increasingly recognized for their potential to support sustainable agriculture. This paper presents the goal of assessing the current state and development potential of alternative fertilizer use in Poland in the context of circular economy (CE). The SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) method was used to carry out the analysis. The key findings include identification of strengths such as the environmental benefits of nutrient recycling, reduced waste generation and cost savings for farmers. However, the analysis also indicates weaknesses, such as inconsistent quality, potential contamination risks and social resistance to using waste-derived products. Opportunities were identified, including increasing demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices, technological advancements in waste treatment and supportive policies that promote CE initiatives. Nevertheless, the sector faces threats such as regulatory barriers, competition with synthetic fertilizers and potential health risks from pollutants in organic waste streams. Considering the rising importance of social dimensions in sustainability assessment, a growing number of studies in the fertilizer sector is expected to adopt Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) to evaluate social impacts and acceptance of alternative fertilizers.