A groundbreaking study published in *Nature Communications* has shed light on the global prevalence of low nutrient use efficiency (NUE and PUE) across major crops, offering critical insights for the agriculture sector. Led by Ji Liu from the State Key Laboratory of Loess Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research compiles a comprehensive global database of 3,360 observations across 205 countries, spanning from 1961 to 2018. The findings reveal that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) use efficiencies remain suboptimal, particularly in developing regions, underscoring the urgent need for context-specific strategies to enhance nutrient utilization in agriculture.
The study highlights significant regional and crop-type variations in NUE and PUE. For instance, rice achieves optimal nutrient use efficiency in tropical zones, while wheat thrives in temperate climates. However, maize continues to exhibit notable inefficiencies, particularly in China and the United States, where substantial nitrogen and phosphorus surpluses are observed. “Our global mapping shows that nutrient use efficiency is highly context-dependent,” Liu explains. “This variability underscores the importance of tailored approaches to improve nutrient management practices.”
The commercial implications of this research are profound. By identifying regions and crop types with the lowest nutrient use efficiency, the study provides a roadmap for targeted interventions that can enhance agricultural productivity while reducing reliance on non-renewable fertilizers. This is particularly relevant for the agriculture sector, which faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in the face of climate change and resource depletion.
The findings also offer a glimpse into future developments in the field. As the agriculture sector increasingly embraces precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making, the insights from this study can guide the development of region-specific strategies to optimize nutrient use. “Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted solutions that can improve nutrient use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural practices,” Liu adds.
In summary, this research not only highlights the current state of nutrient use efficiency across major crops but also paves the way for innovative strategies to enhance agricultural sustainability. By providing spatially explicit insights, the study offers a valuable resource for policymakers, agronomists, and farmers seeking to reduce global fertilizer dependence and promote more efficient use of essential nutrients.