Agricultural sustainability has become a cornerstone issue in the quest for global ecological balance. The efficient management of nitrogen fertilizers, which are vital for food production, presents a unique set of challenges particularly in rapidly developing nations like China. Despite contributing 45% of the nation’s grain yield increases and 60% of its protein supply, the current nitrogen use efficiency has been alarmingly low, standing at only 42.6% in 2024. This inefficiency not only represents a significant waste of resources but also contributes to substantial environmental impacts, including the release of approximately 400 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, accounting for 70% of global nitrous oxide emissions, and exacerbating the issue of water eutrophication.
The innovative field of stabilized fertilizers offers a promising solution to this complex challenge. Research led by Professor Weifeng Zhang from the College of Resources and Environmental Sciences at China Agricultural University has highlighted the potential of fertilizers augmented with urease or nitrification inhibitors. These enhanced fertilizers demonstrate an ability to optimize nitrogen availability while reducing environmental emissions, thus providing a dual benefit in enhancing agricultural productivity and mitigating ecological repercussions.
Stabilized fertilizers achieve their efficacy by strategically delaying the conversion rates of nitrogen fertilizers within the soil via the inclusion of specialized inhibitors. This approach minimizes losses attributable to volatilization and leaching, allowing for more effective crop absorption. Remarkably, compared to traditional fertilizers, stabilized variations can elevate nitrogen use efficiency above 50%, thus concurrently diminishing the loss of nitrogen and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
China has distinguished itself as a leader in this transformative agricultural technology, with its annual output of stabilized fertilizers reaching an impressive 3 million tons. This volume constitutes about 30% of the global production in this sector, underscoring China’s pivotal role in the international market for agricultural innovation. Moreover, the country has established itself as a primary producer of crucial raw materials for inhibitors. The domestic production levels of essential inhibitors such as dicyandiamide (DCD), 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), and nitrapyrin are substantial, representing 80%, 50%, and 90% of the world’s total production, respectively.
Technological advancements are the linchpin of China’s leadership in stabilized fertilizers. In past years, inhibitors faced various challenges in their application, such as breakdown during high temperatures, equipment corrosion, and inconsistent mixing during manufacturing. However, through innovative material modifications and process optimizations, Chinese companies have successfully navigated these obstacles. A breakthrough has been achieved with the DMPP molecular coating technology developed by Sinochem Group, which enhanced inhibitor retention within fertilizers from a mere 20%-40% to an impressive 60%-70%. This technological leap allows for what has been termed “one-time fertilization and full-cycle nitrogen supply,” resulting in a reduction in chemical fertilizer usage by 10%-20% while simultaneously increasing yield by 5%-15%.
Field trials concerning the application of stabilized fertilizers reveal a range of comprehensive benefits. Significant empirical studies conducted across 23 testing sites throughout the country indicate that such fertilizers have led to an average crop yield increase of 9.2%. Particularly noteworthy is the performance within maize planting in the arid regions of Northwest China; the application of compound fertilizers featuring both DMPP and NBPT (urease inhibitor) has dramatically improved nitrogen use efficiency.
The financial benefits to farmers are substantial, with increases in income averaging around 3000 yuan per hectare. These figures are notable, as they represent not only an increase in agricultural productivity but also highlight the potential for farmers to reduce fertilizer usage without sacrificing yield. This is a critical factor that promotes the green transformation of agricultural practices and contributes to sustainable development goals.
Policy support plays a vital role in the propagation and adoption of stabilized fertilizers. Current initiatives have seen the establishment of demonstration bases across 27 provinces in China. As of 2024, testing spans over 2700 hectares, including a diverse range of crops like maize, wheat, and potatoes. The average yield increases reported have ranged from 8% to 10%, showcasing significant advancements in awareness and acceptance of these novel fertilizer technologies among farmers.
China’s advancements in agricultural technologies, especially in the production and use of stabilized fertilizers, serve as a significant reference point for the global agricultural community in its pursuit of sustainable practices. The advancements achieved in this domain suggest pathways for other nations grappling with similar challenges to improve their agricultural efficacy while also addressing environmental concerns.
Looking forward, the study recommends several key strategies to further optimize the use of inhibitors in fertilizers. One proposed direction involves leveraging advancements in synthetic biology to refine production processes for inhibitors. Additionally, there remains a need to enhance regulatory frameworks and standards governing the use of stabilized fertilizers. Finally, strengthening technical training for farmers is essential to ensure that these innovative agricultural technologies resonate effectively at the grassroots level, thereby facilitating greener agricultural practices and aligning with broader climate goals.
In conclusion, the journey toward agricultural sustainability, particularly through the strategic application of stabilized fertilizers, is one that holds promise not only for China but for the global agricultural landscape. As innovations continue to emerge and take root, the potential for achieving a balance between food security and environmental stewardship is within reach, marking a significant step forward in the green transformation of agriculture.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Research, production and use of stabilized fertilizers in China: pathways for green transition and sustainable development strategies
News Publication Date: 15-Sep-2025
Web References: DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2025635
References: Not applicable
Image Credits: Rui LIU 1, 2, 3, Weifeng ZHANG 1, 2, 3, 4, Tikun GUAN 1, 2, Dongjia LI 1, 2, Zhiping DUAN 1, 2, Zixin ZENG 1, 2, Jiawei LI 1, 2, Kaitong WANG 1, 2, Sen DU 5, Yang XU 5, Li GAO 6, Jiahuan LIU 7, Yong CHEN 8, Bing SHEN 9, Li CHEN 10, Yingxiang SUN 11, Minghua ZHOU 12, Jianhao SUN 13, Shengdong LI 14, Youliang YE 15, Mingshan QU 16, Xinxin YE 17, Yanfeng WANG 18, Yuexiu JI 19, Ruijie LIU 20, Xinping CHEN 1, 2, 3, 4, Fusuo ZHANG 1, 2, 3, 4
Keywords
Applied sciences and engineering, Agriculture
Tags: agricultural productivity and environmental balanceChina agricultural sustainabilityecological impact of nitrogen fertilizersenhanced nitrogen use efficiencyinnovative solutions for fertilizer efficiencymitigating water eutrophicationnitrification inhibitors for crop productionnitrogen fertilizer management challengesreducing greenhouse gas emissionsstabilized fertilizers for agriculturesustainable agriculture practicesurease inhibitors in fertilizers
