The importance of the mobilization and transformation of phosphorus flow knowledge in the agro-food sector through the Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) method

Abstract

Decision makers frequently choose to investigate P management independently for crop production or food consumption without considering the advantages of including other indicators in the final decision. This study analyzes phosphorus (P) flows in agro-food systems through Material Flow Analysis (MFA). The objective is to identify critical points of P loss and opportunities for recovery, considering geographical and socioeconomic contexts. The focus is on integrating technological, policy, and management approaches to sustainably close the P cycle. The possibility of the SFA method for Substance P and other interfering variables in agricultural and food production systems is investigated in this research. Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) has become widely used in the analysis of nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in the municipal sector and agricultural activities. The P management concept report could have a significant impact on long-term sustainability prospects. The authors have used three major themes to increase the scientific corpus search of the occurrence of the P cycle in agri-food systems: perturbations in the P trace, the chances of P recovery drivers, and the relationship of sustainable approaches to the development of the P cyclical cycle. This research offers new perspectives for decision makers, particularly policy makers, regulators, agriculture and industry stakeholders, and society, in the context of macro, meso and micro level solutions. Improved P nutrient recovery efficiency and repair of ' four broken points' along the P circular cycle in agri-food systems are required with a better grasp of how to manage P flow control.