ORGANIC FERTILIZER FORMULATED FROM VINASSE WASTEWATER

The formulation of organic fertilizers from waste generated by the agroindustry is an alternative to reduce the exploitation of environmental resources. In this regard, the use of vinasse stands out, largely generated by the sugar and alcohol industries and with excellent nutritional characteristics for fertilizing plants and soils. The vinasse was processed by membrane technologies (ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis), which were able to concentrate the levels present in the effluent of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The evaluation of the formulated organic fertilizer was carried out in its application in BRS Capiaçu. Three treatments were analyzed: control - without fertilization (T1); fertilization by reverse osmosis concentrate (T2), and by commercial chemical fertilization by NPK 20:05:20 (T3). After fertilization, the nutritional levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plants were quantified. Better results were found for the treatments in which vinasse concentrate was applied. Potassium levels were 28% higher in T2 plants than in those analyzed in the control treatment (T1). When compared to commercial mineral fertilization (T3), the treatments in which the concentrate was applied presented approximately twice as many nutrients (N, P, and K) in the leaves of BRS Capiaçu. Thus, the potential for fertilizer production from the treatment of agro-industrial waste is clear, and it is a possibility for integrating the circular economy concept into industries. The potential of the treatment route adopted is highlighted, since in addition to the production of fertilizer, there is also the generation of reused water, avoiding expenses with water from primary sources.