Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The global fertilizer market faced a shortage as early as 2021. In 2022, the increase in fertilizer prices intensified and was unprecedented in the last 70 years. The global increase in fertilizer prices will inevitably lead to a reduction in their use, especially in low-income countries.

Fertilizer consumption, even before world market fluctuations, varied widely across countries. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, the average fertilizer application is 22 kg per hectare, compared with the global average of 146 kg per hectare, which is 6.6 times lower. Fertilizer consumption in some countries such as China and Chile is approaching 400 kg per hectare.

According to FAO, fertilizer consumption in Uzbekistan per 1 hectare of arable land is 254.5 kg, which is 74% higher than the world average and 2.9 times higher than the average for Europe and Central Asia.

According to experts, on average around the world, less than half of the nitrogen fertilizers applied in agricultural production contribute to plant growth, and the rest only pollute water bodies. Over the past 100 years, the amount of anthropogenic nitrogen compounds in water, soil and air has doubled.

Thus, it is necessary to edit the application of fertilizers without creating a risk to food security. For the most rational application of fertilizers, it is required to measure the efficiency of fertilizer absorption, to conduct regular monitoring of the state of soils and their chemical composition. Finding a balance in the use of fertilizers will ensure sustainable growth in agricultural production while preserving the environment for future generations.