Closing the nutrient loop

Abstract

When nutrients are applied in excess of food and fodder crops’ requirements, they can escape from fields to surrounding soils, air, and waterways, thereby leading to environmental degradation and economic loss. Moreover, the portion of the nutrients harvested in food and fodder crops, and subsequently consumed by human and farm animals is generally concentrated in the locations where humans and animals reside, with the majority of the nutrients excreted along with wastes.