How farmers in Switzerland perceive fertilizers from recycled anthropogenic nutrients (urine).
We studied acceptance of a urine-based fertilizer product using a mail survey of 467 Swiss farmers. We distinguished among four production types: organic or IP farming, and with or without vegetable production. Considering that the idea of urine-based fertilizers is new, acceptance among the answering farmers was surprisingly high, with 57% explicitly stating that they thought it was a good or very good idea, and 42% willing to purchase such a product. The farmers of different production types did not differ strongly in their attitude towards urine-based fertilizers. Especially IP and vegetable farmers, who purchased additional fertilizers anyway, seem willing to accept urine-based fertilizers, hereby preferring a grainy, odorless ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Absolutely essential is a hazard-free product: 30% of all farmers had concerns regarding micropollutants. Based on fertilizer data, we demonstrate an existing demand for the nutrients N, P, and K in Switzerland, which could be partially substituted by a recycled urine product. Finally, we discuss methodological requirements of social science surveys. To obtain representative data on an entire population in a mail survey, multiple contacts with respondents are necessary. We argue that information and participation of stakeholders at an early stage is essential for successful technology transfer.
Lienert
J
J
Swiss Federal Inst. for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Uberlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland. judit.lienert@eawag.ch
Haller
M
M
Berner
A
A
Stauffacher
M
M
Larsen
T A
TA
D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005308:Fertilizers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010758:Phosphorus; D011639:Public Opinion; D013557:Switzerland; D018581:Technology Transfer; D014556:Urine; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
D005308:Fertilizers; D010758:Phosphorus