An estimated 20-30 % of the harvested asparagus in Germany goes back to the farms to fertilize the soil

20-30 % of the harvested asparagus along with other seasonal vegetables in Germany did not make it to the market shelf due to lower prices offered to the farmers. The fresh produce is being used to fertilize the soil. The farmers preferred to leave the asparagus harvest on the fields than sell them at a lower price in the market.