Photo credit: FREEPIK
This good practice is inspired by a collaboration between farmers with a partnership with governments, and nature organizations called Agricycling. However, the initiative can be applied in many other places. It focuses on reusing available residual streams from society, such as roadside grass, by delivering them directly to farmers for composting. This process optimizes the use of residual streams from a soil perspective and uses the streams based on what the soil and plant needs. This can serve as an addition to or replacement for existing fertilization. The application process is data-driven and begins with analyzing the residual streams to assess their mineral composition and organic matter content. Based on this analysis, decisions are made about how to distribute the compost across farms. At the farm level, a soil analysis determines the specific application, ensuring it is done at the right time and place and in line with the needs of the soil and crops. This tailored approach provides to a sustainable alternative or addition to traditional fertilization, strengthening the connection between urban waste management and agricultural productivity. This results in both economic and ecological benefits, as it reduces fertilizer costs, while increasing soil fertility and reducing the need of mineral fertilizers.