Summary of Biostimulant – Comparative Environmental Assessment of the Iron Fertilisers’ Production: Fe-Biochelate versus Fe-EDDHA
Biostimulant Iron Fertilisers and Their Environmental Impact
Biostimulant iron fertilisers are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic inputs. In response to the environmental challenges of fertiliser production, bio-based solutions align with circular economy principles and maximise resource efficiency. This study evaluates the life cycle performance of two iron fertilisers: Fe-biochelate, a bio-based product, and Fe-EDDHA, a common synthetic reference.
The Role of Eco-Friendly Iron Fertilisers in Agriculture
Iron is a vital micronutrient for plant growth and productivity. However, the environmental footprint of iron fertilisers has been little explored. Innovative bio-based fertilisers such as Fe-biochelate offer opportunities to improve nutrient efficiency while lowering ecological burdens. By adopting these sustainable solutions, farmers can reduce dependence on fossil-derived chemicals and support soil health in the long term.
Comparative Environmental Assessment of Fe-Biochelate vs. Fe-EDDHA
A life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out using Simapro software, the ecoinvent database, and the ReCipe 2016 method. Results highlight that Fe-biochelate reduces global warming potential by 69%, terrestrial ecotoxicity by 82%, and fossil resource scarcity by 77% compared with Fe-EDDHA. These figures underline the advantages of bio-based fertilisers in mitigating environmental impacts.
Environmental Stressors in Iron Fertiliser Production
The analysis identified soymeal and acetic acid as main contributors for Fe-biochelate, while phenol, ethylenediamine, and glyoxal were most significant for Fe-EDDHA. Despite these stressors, the overall performance strongly favours sustainable fertilisers such as Fe-biochelate.
Conclusion: Biostimulant Iron Fertilisers for a Greener Future
The findings confirm that Fe-biochelate, as a biostimulant iron fertiliser, provides a more sustainable path for agriculture than synthetic alternatives. Integrating eco-friendly fertilisers into farming systems can reduce emissions, preserve resources, and promote soil fertility, making them a cornerstone of greener agricultural practices.
Publication: Sustainability
