Selection and application of agri-environmental indicators to assess potential technologies for nutrient recovery in agriculture

The adverse effects of agriculture and livestock production on the environment are well-known require mitigation in order to achieve sustainability food chain. This study focused related biogeochemical flows phosphorus nitrogen cycles which natural balances have been greatly disturbed by current practices. To assess potential benefits detrimental proposed measures, adequate impact indicators required. challenge lies identifying providing that cover important aspects environmental allow a direct comparison policy alternatives. A review also consistent with those used indicate performance agricultural general (i.e. European Green Deal) led selection fifteen agri-environmental covering main issues agriculture. identified offered an effective representation behaviour would be useful communicating comprehensive ‘dashboard’ for professional end users solutions nutrient recovery efficiency improvement arable systems. selected dashboard (DBI) covered dimensions ‘use primary resources’, ‘emissions environment’ ‘resilience climate change’. Five case studies were investigated test DBI using Excel questionnaire applying qualitative approach Delphi method together expert knowledge. As expected, results indicated there technologies terms improved ‘nutrient recovery’ decreased ‘nitrate leaching’. Potential disadvantages included increased electricity oil consumption greater ammonia volatilisation due use organic fertilisers. indicator ‘water’ received more neutral responses; thus, specific technology was not expected consistently affect indicator. In relation ‘particulate matter’, ‘unknown’ some difficulty predicting this Furthermore, methodologies estimating quantitative values proposed, assessment performed solution ‘catch crops recover nutrients’, confirming responses assessment. solutions, impacts, as being suitable rapid such, they can pre-screening designed improve