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Project Code [23/NCF/FF/11746]
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Project title
NUtrienT Recovery from subsurfacE agriCultural drainS (NUTRECS)
Primary Funding Agency
Science Foundation Ireland
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
Trinity College Dublin
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
Ireland is currently exceeding its nitrogen (N) reduction targets set out by DAFM roadmap to climate neutrality. The overall target is to reduce artificial fertilizer use to 325,000 tonnes by 2030 from a base figure of 408,000 tons in 2018. Due to legacy effects of nitrate leaching from land, there will be a delayed impact from the reduced use of artificial nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers for improved water quality, hence there is a requirement for recovery and reuse where possible. International studies have shown that subsurface and surface drains located in rural headwater catchments can account for a significant percentage of both watershed discharge and nutrient (N & P) export impacting water quantity and quality downstream. Our proposed project is unconventional in that it involves the design and development of in-drain bioreactors containing modified biochar materials which can subsequently be recovered and used as a sustainable fertilizer.The impact of this would include improved water quality in rural catchments where intensive farming occurs and the economic benefits for farmers where they could recover these nutrients in solid form as a sustainable fertilizer and soil conditioner to be spread back on the land.
Grant Approved
�296,991.00
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
28/02/2025