1、Fertilizer use by nutrient, World
Fertilizer use in the agricultural sector, which includes use for crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture.
2、Cropland nutrient balance (Global, regional and country trends, 1961–2026)
The Americas have accounted for more than half of the global total nitrogen from biological fixation since the 2000s. Asia contributed about 40 percent to the global surplus over the entire period and across all nutrients.
3、Opportunity and shift of nitrogen use in China
In recent years, the Chinese government has made great efforts to reduce the negative environmental impact of excessive N input, including encouraging the use of organic fertilizers and promoting straw return.
4、Agricultural fertilizer consumption by country
China’s fertilizer consumption is dominated by nitrogen-based fertilizers, accounting for over 50 percent of the total nutrient consumption. Fertilizer consumption can have a positive...
5、Consumption
Fertilizer consumption for N, P2O5 and K2O by country or region. Respective shares (expressed in percent) of N, P2O5 and K2O in the total nutrient consumption (N + P2O5 + K2O) of selected countries and regions. Shares of each region in global consumption of a given fertilizer product.
Fertilizer consumption (kilograms per hectare of arable land
Most fertilizers that are commonly used in agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some fertilizers also contain certain "micronutrients," such as zinc and other metals that are necessary for plant growth.
Fertilizer use by country, around the world
Definition: Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate).
Fertilizer consumption, 1961 to 2026
Total fertilizer consumption is the sum of synthetic inputs of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, plus organic nitrogen inputs.
Nitrogen Fertilizer
umanity’s future. This report centres the idea that the endless quest to increase agricultural yields and output by increasing farm input use—especially fertilizer.
Cropland nutrient balance
The nutrient balance (NB) is calculated as the sum of inputs: mineral fertilizers (MF) multiplied by the fraction of fertilizer applied to cropland (CF), manure applied to soils (MAS), nitrogen deposition (ND), and biological fixation (BF), seed (SD) minus outputs: crop removal (CR).
Nitrogen fertilizer is an indispensable resource in agricultural production, primarily containing nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth. In farming, the use of nitrogen fertilizer promotes crop development, increases yield, and enhances economic value. the demand and application of nitrogen fertilizer vary by season. Below, we analyze the specific circumstances of nitrogen fertilizer use across different seasons:
Spring: Nitrogen Fertilizer Application
- Growth Demand: Spring marks the start of plant growth. Applying nitrogen fertilizer during this period meets the rapid nutrient needs of plants, promoting root development and leaf expansion.
- Timing: Fertilization typically occurs before spring plowing, after soil thawing but before tillage begins. This aligns with increased microbial activity, aiding fertilizer decomposition and absorption.
- Dosage: Adjust nitrogen amounts based on local climate and soil fertility. Excessive use may lead to overly vigorous growth, negatively impacting later fruiting and yields.
- Methods: Apply via furrows, holes, or broadcast spreading to ensure even distribution in the soil.
- Precautions: Avoid applying during hot daylight hours to prevent "fertilizer burn." Tailor dosage and timing to crop type and growth stages.
Summer: Nitrogen Fertilizer Application
- Heat-Driven Growth: High summer temperatures boost photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. Nitrogen fertilizer applied during this period optimizes light energy utilization for plant growth.
- Timing: Apply during peak growth stages, such as wheat heading or maize jointing.
- Dosage: Determine amounts based on crop nutritional requirements and soil fertility to avoid nutrient imbalances.
- Methods: Use foliar spraying or drip irrigation to improve efficiency and reduce environmental pollution.
- Precautions: Apply in early morning or evening to avoid midday heat damage. Monitor crop health and adjust strategies as needed.
Autumn: Nitrogen Fertilizer Application
- Preparation for Harvest: Autumn is harvest season. Nitrogen application helps plants recover, laying the foundation for growth in the next year.
- Timing: Apply after crop maturity, such as post-harvest in late autumn or early winter.
- Dosage: Base dosage on crop type and soil fertility to prevent waste.
- Methods: Combine base fertilizer (organic-rich) with topdressing, adjusting后者 according to crop needs and soil conditions.
- Precautions: Avoid damaging roots during application. Prevent frost damage and monitor crop recovery closely.
Winter: Nitrogen Fertilizer Application
- Nutrient Reserve During Dormancy: Low winter temperatures force plants into dormancy. Nitrogen application aids nutrient storage for spring revival.
- Timing: Apply before soil freezing, typically as the final winter fertilization.
- Dosage: Determine amounts based on soil fertility and crop demands to minimize waste.
- Methods: Use deep placement or furrow application to ensure soil-fertilizer contact and absorption.
- Precautions: Avoid root damage and frost hazards. Monitor soil moisture and temperature, taking insulation measures when necessary.
Nitrogen fertilizer use must align with seasonal characteristics and crop needs. Scientific application improves crop quality and yield while protecting the environment and conserving resources. Farmers should prioritize precision and rational allocation to support sustainable agriculture.

