About fertilizers

Plant nutrients are essential for ensuring sufficient food production globally and preventing declines in soil productivity through nutrient depletion. The rapid increase in the world's population and the rise in food consumption have rendered fertilizers an integral part of the food supply chain.

The case for fertilizers
Extensive research into fertilizer practices gives answers to how farmers can supply plants with precise and balanced amounts of nutrients needed for optimal growth - but avoiding excessive amounts that can impact the environment through losses to air and water.

Before the 1950's fertilizer played a minor roll, as there was almost enough fertility from soil and manures to feed the world's population of 2.2 billion people. If we are going to feed the predicted population by the year 2020 of 8 billion people, fertilizers will be needed.

Better environmentally
The economic optimum rate coincides with the point at which risk of nitrate leaching from fertilizer N applied is at a minimum. Applying correct rates of fertilizer nitrogen reduces the risk of diffuse pollution.

Better financially
The economic optimum rate is calculated from the nitrogen price and the crop price, with the latter having the largest effect.