Smart fertiliser technologies

Traditional mineral fertilisers have driven agricultural productivity over the past century. But inefficient use in some areas is now contributing to soil degradation and the release of large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, while underuse in others is generating low-yields and forcing additional land conversion.

Our report with CASA Programme identifies three fertiliser technologies that have the potential to improve yields while mitigating against climate damage:

💡Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy, offers a more sustainable solution for nitrogen-based fertiliser production. Despite being energy-intensive, its production can be carbon-neutral.

talusag has developed a modular system for producing green ammonia and has commissioned a plant in East Africa. Underuse of fertilisers in Sub-Saharan Africa is driven by limited access and high prices. The availability of a local, lower-cost source of ammonia could increase access to fertilisers, increasing yields and promoting soil health.

💡Organic products can play a significant role in improving long-term soil health. Products such as compost and manure can increase soil organic carbon, improve soil structure, and support microbial activity.

Regen Organics is a waste-to-value agribusiness working in Kenya that collects urban organic waste and converts it to compost and animal feed inputs. In 2022 the business disposed of over 43,000 MT of waste with their system, which was converted to over 6,000 MT of compost.

💡Biological products, such as biofertilisers and biostimulants, are naturally derived substances and living organisms that can help to optimise nutrient uptake and use. They can improve yields by supporting microbial activity and improving soil structure. Under the right conditions, they can reduce or eliminate the need for mineral fertilisers.

Legume Technology specializes in rhizobium inoculants that colonize legume root systems, converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, reducing or eliminating the need for nitrogen- based fertilisers. Their products can increase yields by up to 30% compared to untreated crops.

To feed the world and protect the environment, we need to focus on long-term soil health and sustainable intensification.

But all these technologies come with challenges, including financing and accessibility.