The Kiertokas project aims to increase knowledge about the concentrations and effects of pesticide residues in organic recycled fertilizer products and their raw materials. This way, recycled fertilizer products and plant protection agents can be used responsibly. Additionally, the results will contribute to achieving the goal set by the EU Fertilizer Regulation, which requires safe and high-quality recycled fertilizer products to be available on the market.
Chemical residues from agriculture, such as pesticide residues, are present everywhere and impact the interaction between plants and plant feeders. These residues also affect the biogeochemical processes of plants and soil. Furthermore, there is a risk that pesticide residues in fodder crops can accumulate in animal manure or by-products of the food industry. These substances can then further accumulate in recycled fertilizer products through various processing methods. Challenges particularly arise in organic farming, where the use of plant protection agents is not allowed.
There is limited information available regarding the occurrence of pesticide residues in recycled fertilizer products. Moreover, there is little knowledge about potential risks associated with these residues. Specifically, in Finland, the comprehensive investigation of this matter has been lacking.
There is also a need for functional tools that enable both product manufacturers and authorities to ensure compliance with requirements for recycled fertilizer products. Additionally, these tools help identify potential product-related issues.
To facilitate the development of a bio-circular economy, the regulation of chemicals used in agriculture must be addressed. The results obtained from the project can be utilized to develop legislation that establishes permissible levels of plant protection agent residues in recycled fertilizers and growing media.
Furthermore, the project's outcomes aim to improve the operations of recycled fertilizer companies and assist in achieving the goals of introducing safe and high-quality recycled fertilizer products to the market.
The project's results and publications will be linked to this page.
Keywords:
recycled fertilizer products, pesticide residues
Responsible project leader:
Liisa Maunuksela, PhD, Research Director, Finnish Food Authority
Project team at the Finnish Food Authority:
• Liisa Maunuksela, Research Director
• Anne Relander, Specialist, Organic Division
• Mikko Lehtonen, Senior Researcher, Plant Pest and Crop Division
• Kati Hakala, Senior Researcher, Organic Residues Division
• Marjaana Nousiainen, Senior Researcher, Organic Residues Division
Collaborating organizations:
Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), Yara Finland, Kekkilä-BVB, Biolan, Soilfood.
Project phase:
Ongoing
Starting year:
2023
Finishing year:
2026
Funding partners in the project:
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MMM), Yara Finland, Kekkilä-BVB, Biolan, Soilfood.