Global Soil Partnership

FAO Science and Innovation Forum - World Food Forum 2022

INNOVATIONS IN SOIL AND PLANT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Harnessing science, technology and innovation for transforming our agrifood systems 

SPECIAL EVENT ORGANIZED BY THE GLOBAL SOIL PARTNETRSHIP | LAND AND WATER DIVISION (NSL)

The soil fertility status is the fundamental building block on which all agricultural production systems are built. The sustainable improvement of soil fertility and nutrient imbalances prevention will make it possible to increase food production and agrifood systems’ resilience to climate change while contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) and reducing other externalities of agricultural activities such as environmental pollution. This event builds on the discussions and outcomes of the Global Symposium on Soils for Nutrition organized by FAO in July 2022.

It highlights innovations in soil and plant nutrient management that contribute to optimizing resource use, improving the nutritional value of food and maximizing crop productivity, while minimizing negative impacts on land, soil, water and the environment, contributing to a circular economy and nutrient recycling. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

With a global population that is projected to increase to 9.7 billion by 2050, compounded by competition for land and water resources and the impact of climate change, our current and future food security depends on our ability to increase yields and food quality by improving soil fertility and plant nutrition. However, intensive agricultural practices have already had a lasting effect on soil health, environmental quality, and climate change.

Each year, an estimated 24 billion tonnes of fertile soil are lost due to erosion. In addition, the most fertile soils worldwide have been degraded over decades of intensive production due to unsustainable practices that have led to nutrient mining and rapid mineralization of soil organic carbon. Along with other soil degradation processes, the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management identified nutrient imbalance as a significant obstacle on the road to food security as it directly affects food production, quality, and safety.

Efforts and investments focused on increasing plant nutrient uptake and balance. Overuse of inorganic fertilizers has caused soil and water pollution through nutrient leaching, alteration of biogeochemical cycles, accumulation of toxic chemicals in soils, eutrophication of water bodies and GHGs emissions. In highly fertilized areas, between 50-60 percent of the nutrient inputs become a major source of pollution to groundwater, freshwater, and coastal waters. On the other hand, in some regions, the inorganic fertilizer use currently is very low compared to the global average. The underuse of fertilizers also has a significant impact on soil health as it means that nutrients are being mined from soils and soil organisms do not have access to essential nutrients to grow and continue the nutrient cycle.

Further, the mounting global fertilizer misallocation and their price increase recently are threatening food security. Vulnerable countries especially in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, grapple with fertilizer prices that have soared by 300 percent now and where the smallholder farmers lack access to inorganic and organic fertilizers. Growing uncertainties and high fertilizer prices already impacts food production prospects and farmers’ livelihoods in many countries.

The answer to the crisis is not simply to ease the production of more fertilizers, but additional efforts are needed to consolidate and promote alternative fertilizer sources including manures and bio-fertilizers, and the pursuit of new sources and technologies for cheaper, cleaner, and more effective soil nutrition. A holistic and integrated approach to soil and plant nutrient management is needed to ensure sustainable use and management of soil and water resources and improve plant nutrient use and nutrient use efficiency.

The Global Symposium on Soils for Nutrition (GSOIL4N) recently held (July 2022) summarized the latest research findings and discussions about integrated plant and soil fertility management. 

The one day special event on “Innovations in Soil and Plant Nutrient Management” will highlight all the above issues and discuss the feasible technical solutions leading to a ministerial segment at the beginning of the day.

PRESENTATIONS

HIGH LEVEL MINISTERIAL OPENING

  • Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia
  • Minister of Agricultural Development, Chad
  • Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Morocco
  • Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Zimbabwe
  • Former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Philippines

TECHNICAL SESSION 1. Setting the scene on the status and challenges

Moderator Ms Natalia Rodriguez, FAO

TECHNICAL SESSION 2. Innovation on Fertilizers

Moderator: Mr Mohamed Eida, FAO

TECHNICAL SESSION 3. Innovative solutions to address nutrient imbalances

Moderator: Mr Ronald Vargas, FAO

Conclusions and closure - Mr Lifeng Li, NSL Director, FAO