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Water Science & Technology Vol 48 No 1 pp 47–56 © IWA Publishing 2003 How farmers in Switzerland perceive fertilizers from recycled anthropogenic nutrients (urine)J. Lienert*, M. Haller**, A. Berner***, M. Stauffacher**** and T.A. Larsen******Swiss Federal Inst. for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Überlandstrasse 133, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland (E-mail: judit.lienert@eawag.ch). Correspondence address: Judit Lienert, EAWAG, Switzerland (E-mail: judit.lienert@eawag.ch/www.novaquatis.eawag.ch) ABSTRACT 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. PAY-PER-VIEW: Buy this article for £23.5 (IWA MEMBER PRICE: £17.62) - All prices include VAT |
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