Abstract
Circularity is a new paradigm of nutrient management that seeks to mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture by reducing nutrient losses through reuse. However, circular nutrient management is not a goal in itself, but rather a means of transition to sustainable food systems. We argue for a conceptually stronger and more explicit combination of circularity strategies with efficiency and sufficiency. To this end, we combine these three transition strategies into a conceptual framework that accounts for the relationship between them. An example of regional N flows is used to quantify the systemic effects of each strategy. Results show that circularity does not affect overall system’s efficiency but reduces primarily inputs. Circularity can also lead to rebound effects if reused products have a lower efficiency than the products they replace. Targeting efficiency as a strategy has systemic, non-linear negative effects, as it reduces opportunities for implementation of circular solutions and reuse of nutrients. Sufficiency as a strategy can affect circularity, as a shift towards a more plant-based diet will likely increase nutrient use efficiency, and will therefore reduce the available recoverable nutrients and limit circularity. Moreover, circularity, efficiency and sufficiency as strategies may have different time frames that policy makers and practitioners need to consider in their implementation efforts. Finally, regional nutrient management should aim to combine the three strategies in modelling, planning and decision making.
Abstract
Circularity is a new paradigm of nutrient management that seeks to mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture by reducing nutrient losses through reuse. However, circular nutrient management is not a goal in itself, but rather a means of transition to sustainable food systems. We argue for a conceptually stronger and more explicit combination of circularity strategies with efficiency and sufficiency. To this end, we combine these three transition strategies into a conceptual framework that accounts for the relationship between them. An example of regional N flows is used to quantify the systemic effects of each strategy. Results show that circularity does not affect overall system’s efficiency but reduces primarily inputs. Circularity can also lead to rebound effects if reused products have a lower efficiency than the products they replace. Targeting efficiency as a strategy has systemic, non-linear negative effects, as it reduces opportunities for implementation of circular solutions and reuse of nutrients. Sufficiency as a strategy can affect circularity, as a shift towards a more plant-based diet will likely increase nutrient use efficiency, and will therefore reduce the available recoverable nutrients and limit circularity. Moreover, circularity, efficiency and sufficiency as strategies may have different time frames that policy makers and practitioners need to consider in their implementation efforts. Finally, regional nutrient management should aim to combine the three strategies in modelling, planning and decision making. Read More