PhosFarm project to produce organic phosphorus via immobilized enzymes

In Germany, Fraunhofer IGB reports the EU-funded PhosFarm project, research and SME partners aim to make organic phosphorus from agricultural residues accessible as a resource for phosphate fertilizer salts. Using immobilized enzymes, organic phosphorus compounds are released from the organic matter and recovered as phosphate.

This is response to the fact that phosphate rock reserves are limited, non-renewable and controlled by only a few countries such as China, Morocco, Tunisia and the U.S.A. As a result, Europe is completely dependent on imports.  Annually, more than 1,800 million tonnes of manure are generated in the EU which the process can be used on, which can also produce organic soil improver products.

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