The soil fertility status is the fundamental building block on which all agricultural production systems are built. But, soil fertility status declines due to several factors including soil erosion, soil organic carbon loss, nutrient imbalances, salinity, among other soil degradation drivers, and unsustainable nutrient management practices irrespective of the type of agricultural production systems. 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. On the other hand, in some regions, the inorganic fertilizer use currently is very low compared to the global average. Further, the mounting global fertilizer crisis and their price increase recently caused uncertainties in many vulnerable countries especially in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, where the smallholder farmers lack access to inorganic and organic fertilizers. Growing uncertainties and high fertilizer prices already impact 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.  The high-level Ministerial session on “Innovations in Soil and Plant Nutrient Management” will highlight all the above issues and discuss the feasible solutions to address the current situation of fertilizer crisis and potential alternative options for soil and plant nutrition management.

09:00- 09:10

09:10- 09:45

09:45 – 09:50

09:50 – 10:30

10:30-10:45

Closing
Summary of key messages and recommendations