

Nutrient runoff, particularly phosphorus leakage from both agricultural and forest areas, is a common environmental challenge across Central Baltic countries. In forestry, phosphorus losses occur mainly on fertile, organic soils, where clear-cuts have taken place. In agriculture, nutrient-rich soils under intensive use also contribute to phosphorus runoff, especially where drainage and fertilization practices are not aligned with circular economy principles. The Nutri2Forest project pilots a nature-based, circular solution that recovers phosphorus from drainage water from agriculture and forestry before it enters natural water bodies. Modular filter systems with mineral-based sorbents will be installed in existing drainage systems, in e.g., ditches and sedimentation basins, targeting to decreasing of both agricultural runoff and runoff from fertile, organic forest soils.
Nutri2Forest projects main result is a fully tested phosphorus recovery and reuse cycle demonstrated at field scale both in Finland and in Latvia. The result includes tested filter prototypes in four pilot locations (two in each of the countries), protocols for reuse of phosphorus-rich materials, and validated economic and environmental benefits. The solution turns sedimentation basins into circular resource hubs (decreasing the amount of waste), which can be replicated across the Central Baltic region and in other places as well.
Nutri2Forest projects main result is a fully tested phosphorus recovery and reuse cycle demonstrated at field scale both in Finland and in Latvia. The result includes tested filter prototypes in four pilot locations (two in each of the countries), protocols for reuse of phosphorus-rich materials, and validated economic and environmental benefits. The solution turns sedimentation basins into circular resource hubs (decreasing the amount of waste), which can be replicated across the Central Baltic region and in other places as well.
Duration 01.04.2026 - 31.03.2029
Total budget
Programme priority
Improved environment and resource useProgramme objective
PO3 - Joint circular economy solutionsLead partner
University of Turku
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