Phosphorus is an important mineral added to animals’ diets and is critical to their development and growth. However, much of the phosphorus is excreted and ends up in manure. For many crops, if manure is applied at the rate needed for nitrogen, too much phosphorus is applied, which may lead to a buildup of excess phosphorus in soils. Phosphorus buildup can lead to increased phosphorus loss and the resulting environmental consequences. If manure is applied to meet crop phosphorus needs, supplemental nitrogen application is required. 

Struvite recovery systems can capture and concentrate manure phosphorus in an easy-to-handle slow-release phosphorus fertilizer. Struvite is captured in the form of magnesium-ammonium-phosphate particles that can be transported more cost–effectively than that of manure for use on fields that have a phosphorus demand, thus increasing nutrient use efficiency and reducing environmental impacts associated with over-application.

Read more in the following fact sheet.