NIBIO studies phosphorus utilization and fish sludge repurposing

Research from the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy (NIBIO) indicates that much of the phosphorus in wastewater sludge used in agriculture is not effectively utilized by plants. A study conducted by researchers Pierre-Adrien Rivier and Eva Brod found significant variations in phosphorus availability among different sludge products. This issue is particularly relevant as new regulations set to take effect in 2030 will shift limits from the total amount of sludge applied to the specific amount of phosphorus content per decare.

In a separate development, the aquaculture company Havland and NIBIO are investigating ways to repurpose fish sludge. Currently, sludge from land-based cod production is often dried and burned or used for biogas. The new project aims to use the sludge as a substrate for microbes, which can convert the waste into fats and proteins for use in new fish feed. This approach seeks to reduce reliance on imported feed and transform a waste cost into a valuable resource.