The report ''Less, better and circular use – how to get rid of surplus nitrogen without endangering food security” by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) shows that the dependency of our food system on fossil fuel-based fertilizers has led to a devastating impact on the environment, while 85 to 95 percent of nitrogen applied to the soil is lost. The report calls on industry and governments to develop sound plans for the near future with 50 percent less nitrogen use. The key findings of the report include:

• The excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers has severe environmental consequences, including biodiversity loss, soil and freshwater degradation, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions. 
• 85 to 95 per cent of nitrogen applied to soil is lost and does not make it to us as food. The current annual nitrogen surplus is double the amount compatible with the planetary boundaries for a safe operating space for humanity, and overall nitrogen use efficiency in food systems is only 5 to 15 per cent, indicating huge losses.
• Food security is possible with less nitrogen: with massive overuse and low use efficiency, much nitrogen can be spared without reducing yields. With nitrogen scarcity and soil mining, recycling should be increased before and besides adding new external nitrogen. 
• For solutions, we need credible industry business plans for a future with 50 per cent less nitrogen; we need credible commitment from governments to full cost accounting; we need credible signals from agriculture, the food sector and society for mutual support. And we need this now.