Spatially differentiated nitrogen supply is key in a global food–fertilizer price crisis

Sieglinde Snapp (), Tek Bahadur Sapkota, Jordan Chamberlin, Cindy Marie Cox, Samuel Gameda, Mangi Lal Jat, Paswel Marenya, Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb, Christine Negra, Kalimuthu Senthilkumar, Tesfaye Shiferaw Sida, Upendra Singh, Zachary P. Stewart, Kindie Tesfaye and Bram Govaerts
Additional contact information
Sieglinde Snapp: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batán
Tek Bahadur Sapkota: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batán
Jordan Chamberlin: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Cindy Marie Cox: Private consultancy
Samuel Gameda: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Mangi Lal Jat: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
Paswel Marenya: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb: University of Arkansas
Christine Negra: Versant Vision LLC
Kalimuthu Senthilkumar: Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
Tesfaye Shiferaw Sida: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Upendra Singh: International Fertilizer Development Center
Zachary P. Stewart: United States Agency for International Development
Kindie Tesfaye: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Bram Govaerts: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batán

Nature Sustainability, 2023, vol. 6, issue 10, 1268-1278

Abstract: Abstract A regional geopolitical conflict and sudden massive supply disruptions have revealed vulnerabilities in our global fuel–fertilizer–food nexus. As nitrogen (N) fertilizer price spikes threaten food security, differentiated responses are required to maintain staple cereal yields across over- and underfertilized agricultural systems. Through integrated management of organic and inorganic N sources in high- to low-input cereal production systems, we estimate potential total N-fertilizer savings of 11% in India, 49% in Ethiopia and 44% in Malawi. Shifting to more cost-effective, high-N fertilizer (such as urea), combined with compost and integration of legumes, can optimize N in N-deficient systems. Better targeted and more efficient N-fertilizer use will benefit systems with surplus N. Geospatially differentiated fertilization strategies should prioritize high-N fertilizer supply to low-yield, N-deficient locations and balanced fertilization of N, P, K and micronutrients in high-yield systems. Nationally, governments can invest in extension and realign subsidies to enable and incentivize improved N management at the farm level.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-023-01166-w

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