Thrust 4: Alternate Nitrogen Fertilizers

In this research thrust, the team aims to develop various circular bioeconomy methods for sustainable agriculture and environment such as smart recovery of (1) resources (controlled release nitrogen and phosphorus based nutrient products), (2) energy in the form of methane, and (3) water for reuse from farm waste, such as animal waste slurry, originating from small to large scale confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) - all with a net positive energy and economic footprint.

The team will use the Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) at the lab-scale to demonstrate circular economy concepts within the context of animal agriculture in terms of microbial pathogens as well as contaminants of emerging concern. The recovery of nutrient products in the form of ammonia-N will be studied. Using the nutrient sequestration process, the team also plans to obtain tailored recovered nutrient products (RNPs) rich in N and micronutrients for soil application.

This thrust is led by the Hettiarachchi group and the Parameswaran group at K-State in collaboration with the group led by Dr. Saji George at McGill University in Canada.