The Role of Plant Nutrition In Supporting Food Security.

About one-sixth of the world's people are chronically hungry.  Competing and increasing requirements for food, feed, and biofuels necessitate future cereal production increase of 70% by 2050. Expansion of harvested area and increasing crop productivity are the only options available for increasing food production, with the latter being the most important.  Advances in biotechnology, new genetics, improvements in agronomic management, and increased use and management of fertilizers will be necessary to significantly increase crop yields. Commercial fertilizer accounts for 40 to 60% of the world's cereal production and will play a vital role in the future in closing the gap between actual and attainable crop yields.  Other sources of nutrients such as animal manures, green manures, or biological fixation should be used when available or combined with non-organic nutrient sources.  Fertilizer best management practices and nutrient stewardship, based on 4Rs — applying the right source, at the right rate, in the right time, and the right place —provide scientific guidelines and a global framework to ensure fertilizers are used efficiently and effectively in helping the world achieve food security.