Phosphorus depletion: the invisible crisis
Nutrient Flow Task Group
The Nutrient Flow Task Group (NFTG) is a Dutch initiative which wants to draw attention to the depletion of phosphorus and its global impact. Also, it strives to accelerate the search for solutions. Established in October 2008, the NFTG is a growing network of organizations who share a common concern for phosphorus depletion.
For more information about phosphorus depletion see below or our background factsheet. Also you can visit some related websites.
Do you want to inform others about phospate shortage and/or the NFTG? Please send them the NFTG-factsheet.
Phosphate shortage
The demand for phosphate is increasing, while global fossil reserves are finite. According to experts, these reserves will have been used within the foreseeable future; 100 years is the general estimate. Furthermore, the bulk of fossil phosphorus is found in only five countries: Morocco/Western Sahara, China, the US, South Africa and Jordan. What makes the problem even more serious is that until today there are no alternatives for phosphate as a key component of fertilizers.
The implications of these predictions are enormous for global food production, since plants need phosphate to live. Phosphorus depletion will become a global problem, which eventually effects us all. It will complicate the competing claims for food, energy, water and land even more. Long term consequences are serious: shortage of phosphate could, in the end, result in large-scale famine and social-political turmoil.
Looking at the magnitude of this obvious problem and its far reaching implications, it is hard to understand that currently phosphorus depletion is generally not on any political agenda.
(source: www.phosphaterecovery.com)
Solutions and opportunities
As long as there is no substitute for phosphate, there are few solutions to the problem other than improving the efficiency of nutrient management in agriculture, and recovery of nutrients from waste (water) or manure/human excretions. Every year, approximately 11.4 million tons of phosphate is lost due to erosion and precipitation.
Phosphorus shortage will undoubtedly create opportunities, such as:
• Demand for technological innovation in (waste) water technology and recycle industries
• Recovering (and selling) of nutrients will turn sanitation into a financial sustainable business
(source: www.phosphaterecovery.com)
Join the network
The Nutrient Flow Task Group is an open network with one common goal: to put phosphorus depletion on political agendas, both nationally and internationally. Every person or organization is welcome to join the network and the search for solutions.
Established in The Netherlands, the NFTG current members are from the public sector (Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality, Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning & the Environment, Regional Water Authority De Dommel), knowledge institutions (Plant Research International, Alterra, Wageningen University), the private sector (Grontmij, Thermphos, OrgaWorld, SNB), NGOs (WASTE, ETC-RUAF) and network organizations (NWP, Aqua for All). NFTG invites all organizations interested in phosphorus depletion, in or outside the Netherlands, to contact the NFTG Secretariat.
Activities
The NFTG:
1. brings together actors from various sectors to reflect on the consequences of phosphorus depletion and discuss possible mitigation options,
2. shares experiences and supports a Dutch, European and International policy debate,
3. supports organizations/members to formulate and implement research,
4. encourages local and national governments to develop mitigation measures,
5. encourages the private sector to prepare and make use of the business opportunities.
Contact info