By‐product of heparin extraction as a sustainable alternative to enhance the use of nitrogen in agriculture

Abstract This study evaluates the potential of a new organic fertilizer derived from porcine intestinal mucosa (designated BHE), a by‐product of the heparin extraction process, as a sustainable nitrogen (N) source for agriculture. The work was conducted in two stages: (i) chemical and spectroscopic characterization of BHE compared with poultry litter, compost, and dairy cattle bedding, and (ii) field validation in maize cultivation. Advanced analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and multivariate statistical methods, were employed to characterize the fertilizers, BHE, poultry litter, compost, and cattle manure. BHE showed the highest N content (9.71%), favorable potassium (K) levels, and a high humification degree, indicating chemical stability and potential for slow nutrient release. In the field trial, BHE, applied as a partial substitute for urea, maintained maize grain yield and yield components at levels comparable to conventional fertilization. These results demonstrate that BHE can be an effective and sustainable alternative to mineral N fertilizers, contributing to soil fertility and circular bioeconomy practices. However, large‐scale adoption still requires expanding production capacity, reducing costs, and strengthening public and private incentives for the development and use of sustainable fertilizers.