The Contribution of Commercial Fertilizer Nutrients to Food Production

Nutrient inputs in crop production systems have come under increased scrutiny in recent years because of the potential for environmental impact from inputs such as N and P. The benefits of nutrient inputs are often minimized in discussions of potential risk. The purpose of this article is to examine existing data and approximate the effects of nutrient inputs, specifically from commercial fertilizers, on crop yield. Several long‐term studies in the USA, England, and the tropics, along with the results from an agricultural chemical use study and nutrient budget information, were evaluated. A total of 362 seasons of crop production were included in the long‐term study evaluations. Crops utilized in these studies…