Plant Nutrients – The Disconnect Between Local Needs and Global Production

Even with all the best technologies deployed to improve crop yield and quality, if adequate soil fertility is lacking, yields typically will not exceed one half of the genetic and agronomic potential. Macronutrients are established as core needs for crop growth and yield, while recent evidence suggests that micronutrients are becoming more important as long term cropping “mines” these micronutrients from the soil. As a result, many soils in nutrient-depleted regions of the world no longer show responses to nitrogen (N) or phosphorous (P). Nutrients have also been misused, contaminating both water and air. The public, and even national governments are questioning the wisdom of fertilizer use as a result. Additionally, questions have been raised whether the nutrient supply is sufficient to meet future crop needs, especially for P. This presentation will focus on the conundrum of local/field-specific needs for nutrients that are commodities traded at the global level. Why are local and field needs often not aligned with nutrient availability? What can be done to ensure that the right nutrients are being used at the right rates, the right time, and the right place?