Farmers across Europe are beginning to apply manure to their fields as the end of winter approaches, a practice vital for replenishing soil nutrients. However, this traditional method of fertilization also releases harmful greenhouse gases like methane and ammonia into the atmosphere. A new technology, developed by the German startup Nunos, aims to mitigate these environmental impacts by transforming manure into a more efficient, odorless fertilizer.
The process, originating from research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), utilizes microorganisms to convert manure within a 24-hour cycle. This results in a fertilizer with enhanced nutrient availability and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is providing , with €125,000 in funding to support the company’s development and testing. This “Green Startup” funding is specifically designed to support founders creating innovative and economically viable solutions for environmental sustainability.
The inspiration for Nunos’ technology comes from an unexpected source: space exploration. According to Nunos co-founder Tim Paulke, the underlying system was “originally developed to process human urine as fertilizer for soil-free cultivation in greenhouses on space stations.” Adapting this technology for terrestrial agriculture represents a novel approach to addressing the environmental challenges associated with traditional manure management.
The key benefit of the Nunos process lies in its ability to improve nutrient uptake by plants. The newly created fertilizer is processed to ensure nutrients are readily available, reducing the risk of leaching into the ground – a common concern with conventional manure spreading. Initial planting trials suggest a potential yield increase of up to 20%, a figure the company plans to validate through field trials on two farms in .
Beyond large-scale agricultural applications, Nunos is also producing smaller quantities of the fertilizer for home use. Paulke describes it as a “multivitamin drink for growing tomatoes or houseplants,” sold directly to consumers via the internet. This dual approach – serving both commercial farmers and individual gardeners – demonstrates the versatility of the technology.
The process for converting manure into efficient fertilizer is patented by DLR and exclusively licensed to Nunos, securing the company’s intellectual property. Currently, Nunos primarily works with cattle manure and digestate from biogas plants. The DBU funding will allow the company to conduct a more comprehensive environmental impact assessment, moving beyond purely economic considerations.
The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. According to data cited in recent reports, approximately two-thirds of greenhouse gases emitted by German agriculture originate from livestock farming, accounting for 5.3 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. Methane and ammonia, released through manure management, are particularly harmful to the climate and the environment. Innovative solutions like Nunos’ technology are therefore crucial for achieving a more sustainable agricultural system.
The development of Nunos’ technology aligns with a growing emphasis on climate-smart agricultural practices. These practices aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration while simultaneously enhancing soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports a range of climate-smart mitigation activities, recognizing the importance of addressing climate change within the agricultural sector.
While the initial results are promising, further research and field trials are necessary to fully assess the long-term benefits and scalability of the Nunos process. The upcoming field tests will focus on verifying the predicted yield increases and identifying opportunities for further optimization. The success of this technology could represent a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural future, reducing the negative impacts of manure while maintaining – and potentially enhancing – crop yields.
