Harp Renewables Hosts Educational Farm Walk on Recycled Derived Fertiliser (RDFs)

On Tuesday 1st of July, we held our Recycling-Derived Fertiliser Farm Walk, hosted on the 8-acre winter wheat field generously provided by local farmer Louis McAuley. The event marked a significant milestone in the ReNu2Cycle project, which was launched months earlier in collaboration with postdoctoral researchers from the University of Limerick.

ReNu2Cycle (REcyciling of NUtrients to close the fertiliser CYCLE) is a 4 year Interreg North-West Europe Project (2023-2027), building on the earlier ReNu2Farm initiative (2017-2023), and aims to reduce dependence on fossil-based fertiliser imports by recovering nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from organic waste streams and developing innovative RDF blends and business solutions for producers.

Visitors had the opportunity to see firsthand the progress and results of the RDF trials, gaining insights into how these sustainable fertilisers were performing in real farming context. The winter wheat field – now well into its growing season – offered a clear and compelling demonstration of how RDFs can perform under real-world conditions.

Through field trials, laboratory analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the project evaluates how RDFs impact soil health, crop yields, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also considering their role in building circular nutrient economies and reducing dependency on synthetic inputs.

The day was filled with informative discussions, field demonstrations, and a powerful sense of optimism about the role of RDFs in the future of North-West European Agriculture. Attendees heard an insightful presentation from Gerry McDonnell, who outlined the company’s work in sustainable waste solutions and the role of Harp’s technology in nutrient recovery.

His talk was followed by an engaging session led by Achim Schmalenberger from the ReNu2Cycle project who delved into the goals of the ReNu2Cycle project and its potential to transform the use of recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) across the agricultural sector.

During the event, Louis McAuley, the host farmer and owner of the field where the farm walk took place, shared his firsthand experience using recycling-derived fertiliser (RDF) on his land. He spoke about the practical benefits he’s observed, including improvements in soil health, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, and the importance of embracing sustainable practices in modern farming. Louis highlighted the value of being involved in the ReNu2Cycle project, noting how it connects research with real-world farming and offers a path toward more circular and resilient agricultural systems.

Guests travelled by tractor and trailer from the farmyard to the nearby field where the recycling-derived fertiliser had been applied. The short journey offered a practical look at the scale and layout of the trial area, setting the context for the discussions on soil performance and nutrient recovery.

After the farm walk, attendees were welcomed back to the yard with a selection of fresh sandwiches, pastries, tea, and coffee. It provided a relaxed setting for informal conversation, allowing participants to reflect on the day’s discussions, ask follow-up questions, and network with fellow farmers, researchers, and project partners. The refreshments were a warm and appreciated finish to a productive and informative event. For more videos, be sure to connect with us on social media!

Discover Infusion—our nutrient-rich organic fertiliser used in the trials to support healthier soil and stronger plant growth.