Reducing our emissions from fertilizer application

Efforts to reduce fertilizer-related GHG emissions must be considered in the context of global food security. With a global population estimated to grow to 9.5 billion people by 2050, ever and an increasing global demand for food, it has become more important than ever to maximize crop yields, a goal that can only be realised with the help of fertilizers. 

Fertilizers account for approximately 2.5% of global GHG emissions, 1.5% of which derive from fertilizer application. The industry is strongly committed to reducing its carbon footprint. As far as fertilizer application related emissions are concerned, these can be significantly reduced with improved nutrient stewardship. 

Reducing our emissions from fertilizer application

Programs to implement soil and crop specific nutrient management practices are developed continuously, in order to maximize plant uptake of nutrients and to minimize nutrient losses to the environment. Best management practices (BPMs) in fertilizer application play a vital role. All of them are centered around the core principles of applying the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, right time, and right place- known in shorthand as “The 4 Rs.” To help carry out the 4Rs effectively, research and training on soil analysis helps develop locally adapted protocols on application rates; the promotion of a better integration of locally available nutrient sources (such as manure and compost) with mineral fertilizers helps ensure the right amount of nutrients, and precision agriculture facilitates the administration of the right amounts and right types of fertilizers to crops. When it comes to GHG emissions reductions resulting from fertilizer application, the industry strongly advocates for a balanced fertilization that helps achieve increased nutrient efficiency without jeopardizing productivity.

Reducing our emissions from production

GHG emissions related to fertilizer production represent approximately 1% of total global GHG emissions. This can be considered a negligible amount, considering that global agricultural input would be reduced by 50% without the use of mineral fertilizers. But the industry is also committed to reducing its production-related GHG emissions. IFA members are thus regularly invited to participate to IFA’s benchmarks to track their energy efficiency performance and GHG emissions: IFA Energy Efficiency & CO2 Emissions Report and the IFA Environmental report. 

According to IFA’s benchmark of GHG emissions reductions and energy efficiency, the most energy efficient plants had achieved important cuts in their emissions by using the most advanced available technologies, leading to enhanced plant throughput and lower overall energy consumption, as this graph illustrates: