Nutrient use
Topic 2(d) - Improved nutrient use and manure management towards sustainable and resilient agricultural systems
The management of nutrients in agricultural systems, particularly nitrogen and carbon, from sources including inorganic and mineral fertilizers, manure, composts and recycled materials has a clear relationship to climate change, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil degradation, food security and resilience of farms and farmers to climate change impacts.
Efficient fertilizer use and enhanced manure management can increase food production and reduce GHG emissions. Using the right fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place optimizes nutrient uptake by plants while reducing losses to the environment and safeguarding our Planet’s soil and water resources.
What FAO is doing
In their submissions to UNFCCC on KJWA (March, 2018), Parties and observer organizations identified a number of key common challenges to improve nutrient use and manure management. These include the need for a regulatory framework for addressing nutrient use; guidance for more optimized use of inorganic fertilizers; more assessment of nutrient use and manure management; definitions of agricultural techniques and timings to maximize nutrient uptake, knowledge and technology transfer; and, site-specific monitoring and modelling technology for precision agriculture to optimize nutrient use.
FAO, together with other partner organizations, have developed a number of tools and methodologies, and have been leading global initiatives on the subject of nutrient use and manure management that are already addressing some of these challenges.
Key Koronivia publications & documents
Resources
