Spatially Differentiated Nitrogen Supply is Key in a Global Food–Fertilizer Price Crisis

Abstract
A regional geopolitical confict and sudden massive supply disruptions have revealed vulnerabilities in our global fuel–fertilizer–food nexus. As nitrogen (N) fertilizer price spikes threaten food security, diferentiated responses are required to maintain staple cereal yields across over- and underfertilized agricultural systems. Through integrated management of organic and inorganic N sources in high- to low-input cereal production systems, we estimate potential total N-fertilizer savings of 11% in India, 49% in Ethiopia and 44% in Malawi. Shifting to more cost-efective, high-N fertilizer (such as urea), combined with compost and integration of legumes, can optimize N in N-defcient systems. Better targeted and more efcient N-fertilizer use will beneft systems with surplus N. Geospatially diferentiated fertilization strategies should prioritize high-N fertilizer supply to low-yield, N-defcient locations and balanced fertilization of N, P, K and micronutrients in high-yield systems. Nationally, governments can invest in extension and realign subsidies to enable and incentivize improved N management at the farm level.
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Fertilizers
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