Crop nutrients support the production of affordable and nutritious food, replenish soils and impact yields, which ultimately affects the livelihood of everyone from the grower to the communities that depend on them. There is a significant opportunity to expand the industry's performance on the use of nutrients through the development of new best management practices that are regionally specific. This would not only capitalize on economic opportunities, but also environmental and social goals.

In many cases, environmental impacts can be reduced while growers' returns increase by improving the nutrient uptake by crops and reducing losses. Use of these practices could open the door for environmental goods and services to be implemented. For example, growers could contribute to the global effort on climate change by implementing practices that reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Their reductions might qualify for offset payments under developing regulations, which would further contribute to the economic sustainability of the grower. In many cases, if best management practices are adopted in all four areas and regionally customized to the grower, performance reductions could be achieved without reducing yields.

Agrium is supporting this effort by working with researchers to grow more food through the use of best management practices embodied in the 4R Nutrient Management System and new technologies like controlled-release fertilizers.

While the framework is in its infancy, it is a sensible step forward. It provides a solid foundation for continuous improvement.

 4R Nutrient Management System - right product, right rate, right time, right place

Learn more about the Global 4R Nutrient Stewardship Framework.