It is not true that the more fertilizer is used, the better and the yield will be higher.
Specialists of the Institute of Forecasting and Macroeconomic Research analyzed the level of fertilizer consumption in the world and in Uzbekistan.
According to the data, in 2021, the world fertilizer market faced a shortage. In 2022, the increase in the price of fertilizer reached the highest level in the last 70 years.
Prices were mainly affected by disruptions in international supply chains and rising gas prices, but supply chains began to recover in the second half of 2022. At the end of 2022, prices stabilized against the background of the recovery of European fertilizer production.
The global increase in fertilizer prices has inevitably led to a decline in their use, especially in low-income countries, experts say. This, in turn, reduces the productivity of agricultural crops and reduces the volume of food production.
Fertilizer consumption per hectare in Uzbekistan is almost 255 kilograms, which is 74% higher than the global average, and 2.9 times more than the average of Europe and Central Asia.
It is not true that the more fertilizer is used, the better and the yield will be higher. Less than half of the world’s nitrogen fertilizers contribute to plant growth, and the rest only pollutes water bodies. Therefore, the amount of anthropogenic nitrogen compounds in water, soil and air has doubled in the last 100 years.
Experts say that it is necessary to regulate the use of fertilizers without compromising food safety. Regular monitoring of soil and soil chemistry and balancing the use of fertilizers will ensure sustainable agricultural growth and protect the environment for future generations.
