Fertilizer use in the world over the last six decades
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15665/djj4yb76Keywords:
fertilizer, agricultural statistics, environmental impact, plant, soil.Abstract
Nutrients and organic matter present in the soil or incorporated through fertilizers contribute to restoring fertility, promoting plant growth and development. Their use has been prevalent, increasing agricultural yields by nearly 50% in the last century, although they have also generated pollution and health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate fertilizer use worldwide over the last six decades. Databases from the FAO, UN, Our World in Data, USDA, IFA, and the World Bank were used. The variables analyzed included fertilizer use per hectare, nitrogen input, production per nutrient, and excess phosphorus per hectare. The GENERAL LINEAR MODEL was applied using the MANOVA technique. Highly significant differences were detected between the different regions of the world, with Asia diverging statistically from the other regions. The uncontrolled and unbalanced use of fertilizers, without a clear understanding of the properties of these inputs, definitely affects soil quality. If used in insufficient quantities, it reduces yield and productive capacity, and if applied excessively, it can even pollute the environment.
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