"A crop of flowers depends entirely on fat." This saying, though metaphorical, highlights the critical role of nutrients—especially fertilizers—in agricultural productivity. Fertilizer is the most significant input in agricultural production and a key driver for increasing yields, directly impacting the overall economic and environmental benefits of farming. Enhancing fertilizer use efficiency is essential for achieving sustainable and efficient agriculture. However, in China, the overuse of chemical fertilizers has become a serious issue, with an average utilization rate of only 35%. This not only leads to massive resource waste but also causes environmental pollution, soil degradation, and long-term damage to farmland.
The Research Center for Agricultural Resources at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, focuses on addressing these challenges by promoting fertilizer-saving technologies and improving the efficiency of chemical fertilizer use. Their efforts align with China’s strategic goals for sustainable agricultural development and the construction of a conservation-oriented society. The research on slow-release and controlled-release fertilizers has made meaningful contributions to resolving the conflict between China's agricultural needs and its limited natural resources.
In the early 1990s, the research team led by Zong Zongxi began exploring the development of slow-release fertilizers, successfully creating both production and application technologies for coated slow-release fertilizers. These innovations earned multiple awards, including the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Third Prize for National Scientific and Technological Progress, and the UN China Branch's Star Award for Invention. The technology and related patents have been widely adopted across 13 counties in Hebei Province. Over six years, the average annual yield increase reached 13.5%, surpassing conventional compound fertilizers by 8–10%. In wheat, yields increased by 500 kg per mu, while corn saw a rise of 550 kg. Cotton also showed a 100 kg increase in lint yield per mu. A single application was sufficient for one crop cycle, and tests on watermelon, peaches, celery, strawberries, cabbage, and jujubes all demonstrated improved yields and better quality. Preliminary studies indicated that coated slow-release fertilizers could boost amino acid levels in corn kernels by 3% and enhance vitamin content in fruits and melons. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported among farmers, and there were no cases of reduced harvests, making the product highly popular among local growers.
Using this fertilizer simplifies the entire process: straw is crushed, seeds are sown, fertilizer is applied deeply, and plastic film is laid—all in one step. Traditional base fertilizer, seed fertilizer, and top dressing can be replaced with a single application, reducing labor costs by approximately 20%. Additionally, water usage is cut by 30% when irrigation is done once, and soil moisture retention increases by 16–19%. Compared to traditional methods, grain yields improve by more than 10%, with wheat and corn generating an extra 309 yuan per mu, and cotton yielding 224 yuan per mu.
Secondly, integrating advanced blending technologies enhances both quality and efficiency. The development and application of coated slow-release fertilizers represent a major breakthrough in the fertilizer industry, ensuring high-quality and high-yield outcomes. It has also driven innovation in agricultural machinery and fertilization techniques. Currently, the average utilization rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers in China are 30–35%, 15–20%, and 35–50%, respectively. Of the 26 million tons of nitrogen fertilizer used annually, about 18 million tons are lost through various channels, leading to significant economic losses and environmental harm. Soil, air, and groundwater contamination worsen as a result. Therefore, adjusting nutrient structures, innovating fertilizer products, optimizing fertilization techniques, and reforming farming models are crucial to improving the overall efficiency of fertilizer use and supporting sustainable development and a resource-efficient society.
With the continuous advancement of agricultural technology, achieving high-quality and high-yield results is no longer dependent on a single nutrient or product, but rather on the integrated cooperation of multiple nutrients and production factors. This holistic approach is essential for the future of agriculture in China.
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