Report reveals 'untapped potential' of sustainable fertilisers

Switching to alternative varieties will save farmers money and naturally enrich soil on their lands

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Switching from traditional fertilisers to alternative varieties not only saves farmers money but will naturally enrich the soil on their lands, a report has revealed.

A four-year study, carried out under the lead of scientists from a Cork university and a top Dutch research facility, has found significant benefits for farmers who replace traditional mineral fertilisers with sustainable alternatives such as compost, digestate (the substance left over from anaerobic digestion processes), household waste, grass cuttings, or animal slurry.