Dr. Maarten Everaert

Dr. Maarten Everaert developed an efficient new slow-release fertilizer that can be used to recycle phosphorous (P) in waste streams. Dr. Everaert’s research found that slow-release fertilizers, based on the properties of cheap and harmless layered double hydroxide materials, have the potential to increase P use efficiency, can reduce leaching and runoff losses of P in comparison with conventional soluble P and can be combined with sustainable P sourced from wastewater.

This new type of fertilizer can contribute to the more efficient and circular use of phosphorous and broaden the array of tools available for sustainably feed plants while reducing nutrient losses. Dr. Everaert is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Division of Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven University, Belgium.