A novel organic fertilizer from brewery waste

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Nutrienvisus Technologies Inc. will partner with The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for a Phase I project to test the company's organically certified (OMRI) fertilizer, Enviotin, developed by a novel nutrient-capture technology from brewery waste. The new organic fertilizer is unlike composts and manures in that is protein-based and contains a higher level of nitrogen. Protein sources of nitrogen have recently been shown to be bioavailable to plants to support growth and result in lower N loss from soils. This will help protect the environment from polluting nitrates. In addition, the nitrogen source is stable between batches, which is not characteristic of manure and compost sources. The current project will conduct a grow trial to determine the best Enviotin rate and frequency to support both floral and vegetable crops. This will give Nutrienvisus valuable information for recommending their product to the market. We will also determine loss of nitrate and protein from each crop and fertilizer treatment as it is expected that protein will hold nitrogen until used by the crop. Finally, because this is a natural biofertilizer, we will measure its effect on the soil respiration, an indicator of microbial community activity which can provide biological benefits to soil and crop including solubilizing nutrients. The company will benefit from access to horticultural expertise at KPU as they enter the market with their first organic soil amendment product. The new product will help to address the demand for organic fertilizers by an expanding industry in our region as well as nationally and internationally. KPU will benefit from expanding its ability to work with local industry, and training staff in an area of applied research of high value to our region. Horticulture students will benefit from learning about new "green" products which will be used by their future employers, protect the environment, and one student will gain experience with applied research.