We studied acceptance of a urine-based fertilizer product using a mail survey of 467 Swiss farmers. We distinguished among four production types: organic or IP farming, and with or without vegetable production. Considering that the idea of urine-based fertilizers is new, acceptance among the answering farmers was surprisingly high, with 57% explicitly stating that they thought it was a good or very good idea, and 42% willing to purchase such a product. The farmers of different production types did not differ strongly in their attitude towards urine-based fertilizers. Especially IP and vegetable farmers, who purchased additional fertilizers anyway, seem willing to accept urine-based fertilizers, hereby preferring a grainy, odorless ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Absolutely essential is a hazard-free product: 30% of all farmers had concerns regarding micropollutants. Based on fertilizer data, we demonstrate an existing demand for the nutrients N, P, and K in Switzerland, which could be partially substituted by a recycled urine product. Finally, we discuss methodological requirements of social science surveys. To obtain representative data on an entire population in a mail survey, multiple contacts with respondents are necessary. We argue that information and participation of stakeholders at an early stage is essential for successful technology transfer.
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Research Article|
July 01 2003
How farmers in Switzerland perceive fertilizers from recycled anthropogenic nutrients (urine)
J. Lienert;
J. Lienert
****
*Swiss Federal Inst. for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland (E-mail: judit.lienert@eawag.ch; michelhaller@gmx.ch; larsen@eawag.ch)
****Correspondence address: Judit Lienert, EAWAG, Switzerland (E-mail: judit.lienert@eawag.ch/www.novaquatis.eawag.ch)
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M. Haller;
M. Haller
*Swiss Federal Inst. for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland (E-mail: judit.lienert@eawag.ch; michelhaller@gmx.ch; larsen@eawag.ch)
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A. Berner;
A. Berner
**Research Inst. of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland (E-mail: alfred.berner@fibl.ch)
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M. Stauffacher;
M. Stauffacher
***Swiss Federal Inst. of Technology (ETH), Dep. of Environmental Sciences, Natural and Social Science Interface, Haldenbachstrasse 44, ETH-Zentrum HAD, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland (E-mail: stauffacher@uns.umnw.ethz.ch)
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T.A. Larsen
T.A. Larsen
*Swiss Federal Inst. for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland (E-mail: judit.lienert@eawag.ch; michelhaller@gmx.ch; larsen@eawag.ch)
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Water Sci Technol (2003) 48 (1): 47–56.
Citation
J. Lienert, M. Haller, A. Berner, M. Stauffacher, T.A. Larsen; How farmers in Switzerland perceive fertilizers from recycled anthropogenic nutrients (urine). Water Sci Technol 1 July 2003; 48 (1): 47–56. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2003.0013
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