2021: Sustainable Design for the Circular Bionutrient Economy
Global food production relies on fertilizers that are not produced sustainably and deplete organic nutrients in the soil. In addition, human waste and fertilizer runoff cause harmful algal blooms and pose other health risks. A Cornell Atkinson-inspired network of partners across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America is advancing a circular bionutrient economy (CBNE) approach which sanitizes organic wastes and improves agricultural soils. This project will develop technologies to enable local CBNE, explore potential business models, and address food security, soil health, sanitation practices, and concerns of reusing human waste.
[This project received an Office of Engagement Initiatives supplemental grant.]
Investigators: Rebecca Nelson, Johannes Lehmann, Felix Heisel, Prabhu Pingali