Escalating fertilizer prices, low fertilizer use efficiencies, low soil organic matter contents and poor soil fertility threaten crop yields and food security in arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. There is an urgent need of research involving research/academic, farmer and industrial stakeholders to adopt strategies for enhancing fertilizer use efficiency to maximize economic returns for small-land holding farmers, especially in developing countries. Famers should be made aware of using balanced fertilizers and follow the 4R approach i.e. right nutrient source, right rate of fertilizer application, right time of application and right place. Following the 4R approach would lead to precision agriculture meaning maximum economic returns and improved soil fertility and soil quality.
Д-р. Muhammad Riaz