Evaluation of wastewater-recovered struvite as an alternative phosphorus fertiliser for chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth

Phosphorus recycling from wastewater is a promising strategy to mitigate eutrophication and reduce reliance on phosphate rock reserves. This thesis evaluates the agricultural potential of waste water recovered struvite as an alternative phosphorus fertiliser for chickpea and wheat growth, P uptake and yield, and impact on soil microbial communities through a series of glasshouse and laboratory experiments. The findings demonstrated that struvite has strong potential as an alternative phosphorus source to support chickpea and wheat growth and grain yield compared to conventional phosphorus fertilisers. Additionally, the slower P diffusion and extremely low leachate from struvite suggest its potential effectiveness in reducing eutrophication.