Nagoya City to Market Fertilizer Made from Sewage Sludge
Nagoya city authorities are preparing to market fertilizer generated from sewage sludge. This initiative aims to address the rising cost of phosphorus, a crucial ingredient in fertilizers, and promote sustainable waste management practices.
The city currently generates around 20,000 tons of sewage sludge daily. This sludge, primarily composed of decomposed human waste, contains significant amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, essential nutrients for plant growth.
Previously, sewage sludge was rarely used as fertilizer despite its potential. However, recent global events, including the Ukraine crisis and increased demand for grain, have led to a sharp rise in phosphorus prices. This has prompted the Japanese government to actively promote the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer.
To capitalize on this opportunity, Nagoya city officials have decided to repurpose their existing solid fuel production facility to generate fertilizer. The facility, located in Minato Ward, is expected to produce approximately 7 tons of fertilizer daily.
This initiative offers several benefits. It provides a sustainable solution for managing sewage sludge, reduces reliance on imported phosphorus, and offers farmers a cost-effective fertilizer option. The city hopes to market 1,000 tons of sludge-derived fertilizer annually, contributing to a more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient agricultural sector.