4R Nutrient Stewardship for Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency

Fertilizers play a significant role in securing the production of food crops around the world. In fact, it is estimated that fertilizers currently support 40-60% of all crop production currently. Meeting future food security targets requires the responsible use of fertilizer nutrients. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship guidelines were developed by the fertilizer industry as a process to guide fertilizer Best Management Practices (BMP) in all regions of the world. This approach was required to address the growing concern that fertilizers are applied indiscriminately to the detriment of the environment. Given that farmers purchase fertilizers at world prices in most regions, and these prices have been steadily increasing over time, most users are very cautious about the rates of nutrients they apply. To avoid unnecessary policy intervention by governments, the fertilizer industry needs to be unified in their promotion of BMPs that support improved nutrient use efficiency and environmental sustainability, while supporting the farmer's profitability. This ultimately comes down to developing appropriate recommendations that match crop nutrient requirements fertilizer additions and minimize nutrient losses from fields. This lead to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept, applying the Right Source of nutrients, at the Right Rate, at the Right Time and in the Right Place. Right source means matching the fertilizer to the crop need and soil properties. A major part of source is balance between the various nutrients, a major challenge globally in improving nutrient use efficiency. Finally, some fertilizer products are preferred to others based on the soil properties, like pH. Right rate means matching the fertilizer applied to the crop need – simple as that. However, this is far from being a simple concept when you consider the variations in yield goals, previous crop management, crop residue management, influence of legume crops in rotation, etc. Adding too much fertilizer leads to residual nutrients in the soil and losses to the environment. Ultimately, striking a balance between the crop needs, environmental conditions and the farmers economic situation is required. Right time means making fertilizer nutrients available to the crop when they are needed. Nutrient use efficiency can be increased significantly when their availability is synchronized with crop demand. Split time of application, slow and controlled release fertilizer technology, stabilizers and inhibitors are just a few examples of how fertilizer nutrients can be better timed for efficient crop uptake. Right place means making every effort to keep nutrients where crops can use them. This is an issue which poses the greatest challenge in small holder agricultural systems, where most fertilizer is broadcast applied, and in many cases without incorporation. Research indicates that fertilizer placement can not only improve crop response, but also improve fertilizer use efficiency significantly by lowering nutrient application rates. Adaptation to non-mechanized agriculture have been made in certain regions which clearly support efforts to modify fertilizer placement as a BMP.