Fertilizers and The Environment

Important questions on fertilizer and the environment
Contents
Introduction Yara the global company The role of fertilizers in: Feeding the world - the social dimension of sustainability Making crop production competitive - the economic dimension of sustainability Protecting the environment - the ecological dimension of sustainability
Page
2 3 4 5
A
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13
Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production What is fertilizer? How and when were fertilizers invented? Why are mineral fertilizers necessary? How are fertilizers produced? Where do fertilizer raw materials originate? How long will the natural deposits of raw materials for fertilizers last? Why manufacture soluble mineral fertilizers? Why not just grind up natural minerals? Why are manufactured fertilizers called mineral fertilizers and sometimes chemical fertilizers? Which nutrients are most needed? Why is adding sulphur to fertilizers more necessary now than previously? Organic fertilizers: Are they environmentally better or worse than mineral fertilizers? Can nature make up for nutrient deficiencies? What happens to nitrogen fertilizer?
6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
B
Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20 Q21 Q22 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q26
Fertilizer use in agriculture Do fertilizers increase soil fertility (productivity)? How are fertilizer application rates derived? How much fertilizer does a crop need? What constitutes balanced and timely applications of fertilizers? Does precision farming give any benefit to the farmer or the environment? Is the condition of fertilizer spreaders important? What is the effect of uneven spreading of fertilizers and how can it be minimised? How efficiently is fertilizer nitrogen used by crops? What is the efficiency of different forms of nitrogen in crop production? Do fertilizers acidify the soil? Does fertilizer use make plants susceptible to pests, disease and weed infestation? Do fertilizers cause soil compaction and/or erosion? Does fertilizer use contribute to drought problems in agriculture?
21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
C
Q27 Q28 Q29 Q30 Q31 Q32 Q33 Q34 Q35 Q36 Q37
Fertilizer Environmental impacts What environmental problems occur if application rates are well below recommended rates? What detrimental effects can excessive nitrogen application cause? Do fertilizers leach to ground water? Isnt there an increased risk of leaching when applying highly soluble nitrogen fertilizers? Do fertilizers give off ammonia, which is an atmospheric pollutant? What problems does ammonia volatilization cause? Is the economic optimum fertilizing intensity in conflict with environmental consideration? Do we gain or lose useful energy by using mineral fertilizers? How much energy (fossil fuel) does it take to make one kg of nitrogen fertilizer? Are fertilizers free of toxic substances and safe to handle? What is the companys policy regarding fertilizers and the wider environment?
34 35 35 36 37 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Yara
Yara
Yara - the global company

Yara is the worlds leading producer and supplier of mineral fertilizers providing farmers and growers with essential plant nutrients required for sustainable crop production. With more than 6,500 employees worldwide, Yara is operating from 50 countries, and with sales to more than 120 countries through an extensive marketing and distribution network of more than 160 plants, terminals and warehouses, The right products in the right place, at the right time are the keys to success in the international fertilizer industry. Yara is the most international player in this industry. The companys core business is the production and marketing of plant nutrients in the form of nitrogen fertilizers and complex NPK compound fertilizers, together with other products to offer customers a balanced nutrient portfolio of mineral fertilizers. The product range includes value added speciality fertilizers especially formulated for cash crops like fruit and vegetables where the contribution to quality and nutritional content is equally important to yield. Agronomic competence and support is a unique and integral part of Yaras offer to growers, wherever they are in the world. Fertilizers play an important role in harvesting energy and capturing CO2. They stimulate plant growth, and the solar energy stored in the plants may be 5-10 times higher than the energy needed to make the fertilizer products. Furthermore, growing plants capture CO2 in their biomass. If this biomass is used as an energy source to replace fossil fuel, fertilizer can help reduce global climate gas emissions. Optimum fertilizer input gives optimum yields and at the same time produces high amounts of crop residues, which contribute to organic matter in soil. Mineral fertilizers are made from naturally occurring raw materials (nitrogen is extracted from the air and combined with natural gas to form ammonia, whilst phosphate and potash are extracted from mined rock) containing nutrients which are transformed by industrial processes into forms that are available to plants. Yara is committed to the further development of fertilizer products which meet high demands on quality, agronomic efficiency, safety and environmental care. Yaras operational procedures and technical standards are continuously reviewed to match best industry practices. The role of fertilizers is to supplement the natural supplies of nutrients so that the crop can reach its full growing potential and produce optimum yields. On average, the use of mineral fertilizers doubles the yield of crops in developed countries and increases yields by 30 - 40% elsewhere. This brings four main benefits: It It It It generates food for the non-farming population makes farming profitable for the farmer reduces the cost of food production and increases its efficiency minimises the land area needed for agriculture
In a world characterized by continuous population growth and limited availability of new land for farming and cultivation, soil productivity must be continuously increased in order to satisfy the demand for food. Without the use of mineral fertilizers, a large proportion of the worlds population would starve. A further benefit is reduced pressure on natural vegetation through increased production from cropped land.
Yara
The role of fertilizers
The role of fertilizers in:
Feeding the world
- the social dimension of sustainability

Between 1950 - 1996 the world population increased from 2,000 million to 6,000 million. If growth rates continue there will be 8,000 million by 2020. More than 90% of this growth is expected to occur in developing countries. Crop growth and yield are governed by climatic conditions and the availability of water and plant nutrients. At harvest, nutrients are removed from the soil by the crop and they need to be replaced. The nutrients in the soil reserves and from organic manures are not sufficient, mineral fertilizers provide the additional input required for increasing crop yields. Yield increase has followed the increase in world population and must continue to do so if hunger is to be avoided. Mineral fertilizers play a vital role in feeding the world. The rising food demand to feed the expanding population since the 1960s has been met from increased food production largely on existing agricultural land. This was made possible from more use of mineral fertilizers combined with other developments, including plant breeding, plant protection products, cultivation techniques and use of irrigation.
Global trends in population growth, grain yield and origin of plant nutrients
8Actual data Projected
-4
Population, 1000 million
7654321-
-3
on Populati
ield Grain y
-2
Fertilizers Manure - 1 Soil reserves of nutrients
01950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
-0 2020
Year
Source: Stapel (1982) with latest data added.
"Because synthetic nitrogen fertilizers provided about half of the nutrient in harvested crops, roughly 40% of the world's dietary protein supply in the mid-1990's originated in the Harber-Bosch synthesis of ammonia."
(Abstract: Professor Vaclav Smil, University of Manitoba, Canada. 1999 Travis P Hignett Lecture, IFDC, AL, USA. IFDC Reference: LS-2, October 1999.)
Yara
Grain yield t/ha
Making crop production competitive

- the economic dimension of sustainability
Fertilizers maintain soil fertility and productivity through supplying/replacing essential plant nutrients and therefore make a vital contribution to economic crop production. Cultivated soils do not usually contain sufficient amounts of plant nutrients for high and sustained crop yields. Harvesting crops removes nutrients and if they are not replaced (through use of fertilizers) soil mining results, yields will diminish, crops will develop deficiency symptoms and in extreme cases, fail altogether. The world's population is expanding, thus creating a need for increased food production at affordable prices. Fertilizer use on an expanding scale is required for enhanced and economic agricultural productivity. Fertilizers are necessary to support affordable and sustainable agriculture. Yara has a range of fertilizer products to provide those nutrients in short supply. Optimal fertilizer application with the correct balance of nutrients is required to ensure the economic production of both high yielding and high quality crops.
The use of mineral fertilizers pays off

The investment in nitrogen fertilizer is highly profitable for growers
Wheat yield response (monetary value) to N fertilizer rate

1200 1000 800 600 -
Net return is 7x the investment
400 200 100 00 50 100 150 200 250 300
Fertilizer application, kg N/ha

Source: Yield data: Long term trial (since 1856), Broadbalk, Rothamsted, UK.
Yara
The role of fertilizers
Protecting the environment
- the ecological dimension of sustainability

Man has caused major changes to the land on planet earth. Most notably since the 1850s. The Earths land area is 13 thousand million hectares which is 29% of the Earths surface. Currently about 10% of all land is cultivated, with FAO projections suggesting only small further expansion is possible. The reserves are mainly in Africa and Latin America. There are serious constraints on the use of the remaining reserves, such as lack of water, land quality, sparse population, preservation of forests and other environmental concerns. Sustainable agriculture with more intensive use of the areas already employed for food production will help to conserve the land reserves. This can be achieved by improving the soils fertility through the judicious, and greater, use of fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers play a vital role in conserving the land. Reducing the mineral nutrient input could mean that more virgin land would have to be ploughed up. In sustainable agriculture, the need for good quality food at affordable prices should be met with minimum adverse effects on the environment. Excessive rates of fertilizer application are potentially environmentally harmful as well as economically wasteful. Applying fertilizer responsibly and according to good farming practices can limit the risk of this occurring.
Transformation of land in the period 900 - 2000

1000 million ha
14 13 12 11 10 9876543210900 1700 1900 2000 1850 1950
Water Ice Other land
Unexploitable forest Primary forest Secondary forest Natural grass

World = 44.8bha Land = 13bha (29% of world area) Freshwater = 3% (70% frozen)
Grass
Crops
Yara
Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production
Yara
Q1
What is fertilizer?
Fertilizers are nutrients for plants, regardless of source.
Besides sunlight, carbon dioxide, oxygen and water, thirteen elements are considered essential for plant growth. These are divided into: Major nutrients - N, P K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). , Secondary nutrients - Ca, Mg, S (calcium, magnesium, sulphur). Micro nutrients - Fe, Mn, B, Zn, Cu, Mo, Cl (iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, chlorine). Some crops may benefit from other elements, e.g. Na (sodium) for sugar beet and some tropical crops, and Si (silicon) for maize, grasses and particularly rice. The primary and secondary nutrients are required in the largest amounts, although there are large variations of requirement between crops. They are the constituents of many plant components including proteins, nucleic acids and chlorophyll, and are essential for processes such as energy transfer, maintenance of internal pressure and enzyme function. Micronutrients are the vitamins of plants. They are not needed in large quantities but are necessary for plant health. The components of mineral fertilizers are normal constituents of the soil in the inorganic form and are environmentally benign. In organic fertilizers the nutrients are partly tied up in organic compounds that have to be mineralized to be available to plants. Mineral fertilizers can supply the balance between the amount of nutrients available from other sources like the soil, air or organic manures, and a crops nutrition requirement.
Primary, secondary and micro-nutrients
H2 O
O2
CO2
Primary nutrients
N
Secondary nutrients
P
B Zn
K
Micro-nutrients
Ca
Mg
Fe
Cu
Mn Mo
Cl
Yara
Q2
A Deficiency of any Single Nutrient is Enough to Limit Yield
How and when were fertilizers invented?

Manufactured fertilizers were introduced to European agriculture in the middle of the 19th century, after the discovery of the principles of plant nutrition. In the 1830s, Justus von Liebig (1803-1873) discovered that minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were plant nutrients. The scientist concluded that these mineral plant nutrients originated from mineralized plant residues and other organic soil material. It was concluded that a deficiency of any single nutrient was enough to limit yield. The value of fertilizers was demonstrated in the worlds first agricultural field trials at Rothamsted in the UK. These trials continue to provide valuable information in fertilizer efficiency, with the long term trial on the Broadbalk site in continuous existence since 1856. The history of fertilizer manufacture begins around 160 years ago. Some important milestones are: 1842 1905 1911 1927 J B Lawes produces superphosphate from rock phosphate at Rothamsted First production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer at Notodden in Norway Haber-Bosch process introduced to manufacture ammonia Nitrophosphate process developed in Norway
Sodium
Oxygen
Yield
Warmth Phosphorus Magnesium Potassium Nitrogen Sulphur Chlorine
Calcium
Light
Water
Iron
Carbon Dioxide
Boron
Soil Conditions & Other Growth Factors
JUSTUS VON LIEBIG 1803 - 1873
The law of the minimum illustrated by barrel staves of varying lengths representing growth-controlling factors.
Yaras history goes back to 1905 when Norsk Hydro was established following the revolutionary invention of Birkeland & Eyde, utilizing Norways vast reserves of hydroelectric power to capture nitrogen from the air. Yara has responded to the global need for mineral fertilizers through developing fertilizer products and expert advice systems and services, which promote the responsible use of the Companys products and support sustainable agricultural production systems. Agronomic competence is a unique and integral part of Yaras offering to growers of crops, wherever they are in the world.
How plants take up nutrients
manures plant residues fertilizers
N
organic matter mineralization
K P Mg
soil
Ca
plant residues are decomposed into minerals
Yara
Q3
Why are mineral fertilizers necessary?

Fertilizers maintain soil fertility/productivity through supplying/replacing essential plant nutrients and therefore make a vital contribution to economic crop production. Cultivated soils do not usually contain sufficient amounts of plant nutrients for high and sustained crop yields. Harvesting crops removes nutrients and if they are not replaced (through use of fertilizers) soil mining results, yields will diminish, crops will develop deficiency symptoms and in extreme cases, fail altogether. The world's human population is increasing, demanding increased food production from agricultural land, at affordable prices. Fertilizer use on an expanding scale is required for enhanced and economic agricultural productivity. Fertilizers are necessary to support an affordable and sustainable agriculture. Yara has a balanced nutrient range of fertilizer products to provide those nutrients in short supply. Optimal fertilizer application, with the correct balance of nutrients is required to ensure the economic production of both high yielding and high quality crops.
The economic gains from applying mineral fertilizer

Treatment
No fertilizer Mineral fertilizer 192 kg N/ha
2.1 9.3
235 1042
593 885**
-358 157
282 95
* Assuming grain market price: 112 EUR/tonne (EU intervention price = 101 EUR/tonne) ** Cost increase due to intensive production including purchase of N fertilizer
Source: Winter wheat, long term trial, Broadbalk, Rothamsted (since 1856). Production cost: data from KTBL Germany.
The use of mineral fertilizers pays off

The investment in nitrogen fertilizer is highly profitable for growers
Wheat yield response (monetary value) to N fertilizer rate

1200 1000 800 600 -
Net return is 7x the investment
400 200 100 00 50 100 150 200 250 300
Fertilizer application, kg N/ha

Source: Yield data: Long term trial (since 1856), Broadbalk, Rothamsted, UK.
Yara
Q4
How are fertilizers produced?

The production processes vary in accordance with the nutrients needed to be included in the fertilizer. The components of finished fertilizer products are relatively simple chemicals, but highly developed manufacturing technologies are employed in the production of high quality mineral fertilizers. There are various steps involved in their manufacture, from the raw materials, through intermediates, to the finished products. Nitrogen (N) Fertilizers: The supply of nitrogen, determines a plants growth, vigour, colour and yield. Increasing the nitrogen supply to a crop tends to increase the crops content of substances that contain nitrogen such as proteins and vitamin B1. The intermediate product in the case of nitrogen fertilizers is ammonia (NH3), which is produced by combining nitrogen extracted from the air with hydrogen which is obtained from natural gas, or through the hydrocarbon steam reforming process. Approximately 85% of the ammonia plants in the EU use natural gas. Measures to improve production processes have focused on reducing the amount of hydrocarbon feedstock required to produce a tonne of ammonia. The further processing of ammonia produces straight N fertilizers such as urea, ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate, as well as solutions of the above fertilizers and ammonium sulphate. Ammonia is also the main intermediate for many multi-nutrient fertilizers. Phosphate (P) Fertilizers: Phosphorus is required for good rooting and resistance to drought, for plant growth and development, for the ripening of seed and fruit and in the manufacture and use of sugars and complex carbohydrates. A good supply of phosphorus is essential in the first stages of a plants life and for early maturity. This nutrient is often described or declared as phosphate (P2O5) rather than phosphorus (P). This is just a convention and the terms can be used interchangeably but care needs to be taken with fertilizer recommendations, as 1 kg P is equivalent to 2.291 kg P2O5. Rock phosphate (27 - 38% P2O5) is the raw material source from which most types of phosphate fertilizers are produced, with minor exceptions such as basic slag (12 18% P2O5), which is a by-product of steel production. In its unprocessed state, rock phosphate is not suitable for direct application, as the phosphorus it contains is insoluble at soil pH above 6.5. To transform the phosphorus into a plant-available form Urea plant and to obtain a more concentrated product, phosphate rock is processed using sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid and/or Ammonium nitrate plant nitric acid. Acidulation by means of sulphuric acid produces either phosphoric acid, an intermediate product in the Calcium nitrate plant production of triple superphosphate (TSP), AN monoammonium phosphate (MAP), NPK fertilizer plant diammonium phosphate (DAP) and complex fertilizers, or single superphosphate (SSP). Acidulation using Ammonium phosphate plant phosphoric acid produces TSP and , acidulation using nitric acid produces NP Superphosphate plant slurries for use in the manufacture of complex fertilizers.
Fertilizer production routes

Natural gas Water Air Water Air Ammonia plant
NH3
CO2
Nitric acid plant

HNO3
Rock
Nitrophosphate plant
Salts of K, Mg, S
Rock
Phosphoric acid plant

H2SO4 H2PO4
Sulphur
Sulphuric acid plant

Rock
Yara
10
Yara Glomfjord - Emissions to Air

Nitric acid plants A and B Nitric oxides (NOx): 0.28 tonne/d Nitric Acid Plant A Nitric oxides (NOx): 0.15 tonne/d Nitric Acid Plant B Nitric oxides (NOx): 0.13 tonne/d
Complex fertilizer plant Nitrogen (N) 4.4 kg/h Fluorides (F) 0.04 kg/h Ammonia (NH3) 16.2 kg/h Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 0.14 kg/h Fertilizer dust 21.4 kg/h
To water: Nitrogen (N) 1.88 t N/d Phosphorus (P) 0.13 t P/d
Every year all Yara sites publish an environmental map with emission figures and performance relative to the environmental permits.
Potash (K) Fertilizers: Potassium controls water relations in plants and helps give plant cells their turgor or stiffness. This is important for crop quality and resistance to disease. Sufficient potassium is also critical for vitamin and mineral content, for texture, firmness and resistance to drought. It is particularly significant in plants that store large amounts of sugar and starch, like potatoes. It is also vital for the root nodule bacteria on legumes which fix nitrogen from the air. This nutrient is often described or declared as potash (K2O) rather than potassium (K). Whilst just a convention, the terms can be used interchangeably but care needs to be taken with fertilizer recommendations, as 1 kg K is equivalent to 1.205 kg K2O. Most potassium used in fertilizer production is taken from natural deposits of potassium chloride. The mined material is crushed and purified by the removal of rock particles and salt and then applied direct, or more usually incorporated in NPK fertilizers. Relatively small amounts of potassium sulphate also are used in fertilizers. Multi-nutrient Fertilizers: Multi-nutrient fertilizers produced in the EU are either complex fertilizers (every particle contains the same ratio of nutrients), or blends (made by mixing particles of different materials). Typically, complex NPK fertilizers are manufactured by producing slurries of ammonium phosphates, to which potassium salts are added prior to granulation or prilling. PK fertilizers, on the other hand, are generally produced as compounds by the steam granulation of super phosphates (SSP or TSP) with potassium salts. Yara has a balanced nutrient range of fertilizer products, which has been specially developed for the worlds major crops. The Company produces and markets complex NPKs, Nitrates (ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate), UAN, Urea, Ammonia and other differentiated and value added speciality fertilizers containing one or more micronutrients.
11
Yara
Q5
Where do fertilizer raw materials originate?

Most are from natural sources like the air, and minerals mined from the earth. The principal raw materials for fertilizer production are: Air to provide nitrogen. Natural gas and oil to provide hydrogen and energy (for production of ammonia). Rock phosphate (natural minerals with largest known reserves in North Africa, South Africa, USA, China). Potassium salts (natural minerals with largest reserves in Canada, Russia, Belarus, Germany). Sulphur (for production of sulphuric acid used in the production of most phosphate fertilizers (mainly from desulphurization/cleaning of oil and gas). Extraction and processing of any raw materials can have environmental effects and production plants must comply with local regulations. Mining of phosphate and potash minerals can cause landscape changes. Phosphate rock mines are often operated as opencast sites, with large amounts of waste rock generated and considerable landscape restoration is required to minimize the impact. Some phosphate rock contains minor amounts of naturally occurring radioactive elements, e.g. uranium. Special precautions may be necessary to provide safe storage for mining wastes. Uranium has occasionally been a commercial by-product of phosphate mining. Potassium extraction can give brines as a by-product, which could cause pollution to water. Sulphur is extracted from stack gases e.g. electric power plants burning fossil fuels. Much of this sulphur is utilized by the fertilizer industry. This helps to reduce environmental pollution from sulphur dioxide in gas emissions from industry. Yara has participated in the development of the European Fertilizer Manufacturers Associations (EFMA) Product Stewardship Programme to ensure that proper care is taken along the whole chain-from product development and purchase of raw materials, during production and storage and in the distribution network. The Company has adopted and expanded on the requirements in its own application of the principles, and works according to the highest standards, complying with legislation with regard to health, occupational and public safety, environment and security. Best available technologies are adopted.
Product Stewardship (from mine to farm)

Marketing & Sales Application & Farmer services Product development
Storage
Sourcing of materials
Product Stewardship
Transportation Packaging
Manufacturing
Yara
12
Q6
How long will the natural deposits of raw materials for fertilizers last?
Phosphorus and potassium are considered to be among the most abundant elements in the earth's crust. Scarcity of fossil fuels as a raw material and for energy use in production is of concern. Agriculture is a relatively minor user of energy, using less than 5% of total EU energy, with food processing, transport and preparation accounting for a further 10%. There are known reserves of oil and natural gas for approximately 40 to 60 years. New deposits are found each year, but at some time in the future, scarcity may appear. When this happens other methods for fertilizer production will be needed, for example that based on hydro electric power discovered by Norsk Hydro in 1905. Lifestyles in the developed world and rising demand from growing economies in China, South America and elsewhere, will affect the future price, and perhaps supply, of oil and gas. This will directly affect production of nitrogen fertilizers. Phosphorus and potassium are considered to be among the most abundant elements in the earth's crust. Easily available resources of phosphate are expected to last for about 90 years, and it is likely with ongoing exploration activities, that more will be discovered. The same is true for potassium reserves. Raw materials for other plant nutrients are also available in sufficient amounts compared with agricultural needs. Boron is a possible exception. Yara develops and manages the Companys activities to make efficient use of energy and raw materials. It works systematically to reduce emissions to air, water and the ground and to minimize waste and ensure the safe handling of the Companys products.
European energy use
Industry, traffic, households, public services 85% Food industry 10% Agriculture production (inclusive mineral fertilizer production) 5%
13
Yara
Q7
Why manufacture soluble mineral fertilizers? Why not just grind up natural minerals?
Manufacturing processes are necessary for the nutrients in fertilizers to be in a form which is readily available to plants in the quantities required. Nitrogen: The only naturally occurring source that contains nitrogen in a plant-available form is "Chile saltpeter" (sodium nitrate). This "mineral" in a purified form is used as fertilizer, but supplies are inadequate for world agriculture. Phosphorus: Nutrients are only available to plants when dissolved in water. Most minerals containing phosphorus are so insoluble that they are ineffective as a phosphorus source though some rock phosphates are sufficiently reactive for use on acidic soils. Even reactive phosphates are too insoluble where a rapid response (on soils with low phosphorus status) is needed. Fine grinding of these rock phosphates does not sufficiently improve their availability. Potassium: Most potassium fertilizers contain a ground-up natural mineral, potassium chloride. With a few exceptions, other minerals containing potassium are so insoluble that they are relatively ineffective as a nutrient source. Very high application rates would be required, but even then the results would be unreliable. Production processes developed and used by Yara ensure nutrients are converted into forms that can be taken up by plants. Yara is a truly global fertilizer company with a presence in approximately 50 countries around the world, and selling to more than 120 countries through an extensive marketing and distribution network consisting of more than 160 plants, terminals and warehouses.
Plants need three main nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium
YIELD AND QUALITY

Nitrogen, the main driver of yield
Yara International unique global presence and infrastructure
46 62 15 18
Major Plants Office No. of plants/ terminals/warehouses On the ground in 50 countries, sales to more than 120 countries, more than 160 infrastructure points.
22
Yara
14
Q8
Why are manufactured fertilizers called mineral fertilizers and sometimes chemical fertilizers?
Mineral fertilizers is the best descriptive name, as they are manufactured from minerals. Mineral fertilizers contain plant nutrients that occur naturally in the soil, in a concentrated form. For more detailed information, please refer to the answers to previous Questions, 1-7. Fertilizers that are manufactured are sometimes called mineral, artificial, inorganic, industrial or chemical. Of these, mineral is the best description as this describes the source. The other terms can be applied to a wide range of material, for example, all nutrients, regardless of source, are inorganic when taken up by plants. Sludge and often organic waste used as fertilizer can be called artificial, industrial or chemical. Yara produces mineral fertilizers to high quality standards, which means: Nutrients are available to crops. Fertilizer can be spread evenly and accurately. Production processes minimise energy use and emissions.
Nitrogen content in 1 tonne of fertilizer

400 350
300 -
kg/T
200 -
100 -
0-
Mineral fertilizer (AN)
Cattle manure
Fertilizer requirement to apply 100 kg of nitrogen per ha

24 20
18 -
T/ha
12 -
6-
0-
0.286
Mineral fertilizer (AN)
Cattle manure
15
Yara
Q9
Which nutrients are most needed?

Nitrogen, followed by phosphorus and potash. Generally, the limiting nutrient is the most needed one because it limits the uptake of other nutrients and directly or indirectly, crop yield. The industrial production of mineral fertilizers makes it possible to correct for these deficiencies, and thus maintain soil fertility through balanced fertilization. On a global scale, nitrogen is the most needed nutrient followed by phosphorus and potassium. Owing to previous imbalanced fertilization with focus on nitrogen needs, deficiencies in phosphate and potash still occur in some parts of the world, e.g. parts of Asia. Phosphate and potash deficiencies also frequently develop in systems that have been under organic farming for some years. Sulphur and zinc deficiencies are also quite common worldwide. Yara has a balanced nutrient range of fertilizer products, which has been specially developed for the major crops in the world. The Company is the most diversified nitrogen fertilizer company in the world, producing and marketing complex NPKs, Nitrates (ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate), UAN, urea, ammonia and other differentiated products with additional plant nutrients.
Nitrogen, the most important nutrient
17% 24%
Potassium (K) Phosphorus (P)
59%
Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorus in the soil

Total 145.6 million nutrient tonnes production
Source: IFA statistics season 2003/2004.
Plant residues, manures Fertilizer P Non-labile P in apatites and soil minerals Slow Slow Fast Labile P bonds to minerals Easily degradable organic P Slowly degradable organic P Soil solution Mineralization soil microbes
Yara
16
Q10
Why is adding sulphur to fertilizers more necessary now than previously?

There are various reasons: Phosphate fertilizers are now more concentrated and thus their sulphur content has been reduced. Rain used to provide enough sulphur to prevent sulphur deficiencies in Western European crops but the significant reduction in industrial sulphur dioxide emissions has decreased the rate of sulphur deposition from rain. Sulphur deficiency may have gone unnoticed or been confused with nitrogen deficiency. Sulphur demanding crops e.g. oilseed rape, are now more commonly grown. Yields are higher than previously, hence more nutrients, including sulphur, are removed from the system. Sulphur deficiencies are now causing yield reductions in some regions and in some crops, necessitating sulphur to be included in fertilizers. There are four main sources of sulphur for crops: The soil organic matter. The air. Organic manures. Mineral fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers can effectively be applied to balance any deficiency from other sources to meet crop need. Yara has carried out extensive field trials investigating the response to applied sulphur on a wide range of crops, soil types and climatic conditions. The Companys fertilizer recommendation systems take account of all sources of sulphur, and formulations increasingly contain this element to meet the rising crop requirements.
Without and with sulphur.
Oilseed Rape often responds to sulphur.
17
Yara
Q11
Manures table
Source Cattle manures Slurry FYM
Organic fertilizers: Are they environmentally better or worse than mineral fertilizers?
Both organic and mineral fertilizers have their place in sustainable agriculture. Manures and crop residues are by-products in agriculture that contain valuable crop nutrients and should be used wherever available and taken into account when making fertilizer recommendations.
% dry matter N 9 22 20 - 40 17 - 20 70
Nutrients, % of dry matter P 0.8 0.8 0.2 - 3 0.1 - 1 0.25 K 4.8 1.3 <0.1 0.1 0.76
4.6 2.6 0.5 - 3 0.8 - 5 1.17
Sewage sludge Chemical treatment (Fe/Al) Biological treatment Town refuse Compost
Source: NMI (cattle manure), ifa/fao conf march 2003 (sewage sludge and town refuse).
There are not enough nutrients in organic wastes to compensate for those removed by high yielding crops and for unavoidable losses, the balance must be made up from mineral fertilizers. There are considerable environmental problems with the use of manures. Techniques for improved handling and soil application are being developed. Part of the nitrogen in manures is not available to the crop during the growing season, with some mineralized later during non-vegetative periods, then lost through leaching. Ammonia loss during open storage or after surface spreading of manures can be substantial. The separation of livestock and arable farming, with the concentration of animals in some regions and arable crops in others, has lead to nutrient distribution inefficiency, with a surplus in the animal farming regions. The low nutrient content and bulky nature of manures makes transportation inconvenient and costly. Fertilizer characteristics; Organic compared to mineral fertilizer
Characteristic Nutrient source Nutrient concentration Nutrient availability Quality control Organic fertilizer Crop residues and animal manures Low concentration Variable Often inconsistent Mineral fertilizer Nitrogen from the air and minerals from the soil High concentration Immediately available for the crop Traceable and consistent
Yara
18
Origin and quantity of ammonia emissions to air in Western Europe Sewage sludge - sometimes called bio solids - is available for application to land but has a low and varying nutrient content, and it may contain undesirable components (e.g. heavy metals). The phosphorous availability from chemically treated sludge is low, hence processes are under development to recover the phosphorous and make it more plant available. The use of sewage sludge requires careful consideration of the quality and the variability of the product. Some countries, e.g. Switzerland, have banned the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural land. Others like Germany are currently developing strong quality regulations for unwanted components. Some crop protocols like EUREPGAP do not allow the application of bio solid products. Yara fertilizer recommendation programmes routinely take account of, and give guidance on how to combine mineral fertilizers with organic manures for balanced plant nutrition.
Animal husbandry
Manure spreading 32% Grazing 8% Manure storage 34%
Mineral fertilizer
Application 12.5% Production 0.5% Leaf emission from crop 5% Miscellaneous 8%
Source: ECETOC Technical Report No. 62 Ammonia Emissions to Air in Western Europe.
Q12
Can nature make up for nutrient deficiencies?

Not in current intensive agriculture. If a deficiency problem has occurred, the relevant nutrient or nutrients must be supplied for crops to thrive. Deficiencies of nutrients indicate that the weathering of soil minerals or the release of nutrients from organic matter is too slow to sustain a high-yielding crop. In low productive shifting agriculture, minerals are made available to subsequent crops through burning and weathering of soil minerals during a previous break from cropping. Where soil or crop analysis shows deficiencies, mineral fertilizers fortified with one or several of the nutrient elements listed in Question 1 can be applied to address the symptoms and correct the deficiency. Yara has over many years established an extensive and active presence in world agriculture. Communication and practical interpretation of the results of the Companys extensive Research & Development Programme has been a key aim, and has resulted in the production of advisory tools and expert programs which give fertilizer recommendations for most crops, and special tools for nitrogen recommendations. The Plant Master series of brochures cover the major growing aspects of the important crops in the world, and are a key part of communication with farmers and growers.
Lack of one or more nutrients reduce yield and quality
P shortage (left).
Photo: P Seward, Yara.
K shortage (right).
Photo: Kali and Salz, Germany.
S shortage (right).
Photo: Rothamsted exp. station.
Mg shortage (right).
Photo: D. D. Warncke, APS Press.
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Yara
Q13
What happens to nitrogen fertilizer?

So long as it is applied to meet crop requirement and in accordance with good farming practice, with locally derived rates and timing, it will be largely taken up by the plant. It is then present in agricultural outputs, grains, fruit, vegetables, milk, meat, and eggs. The soil nitrogen cycle explains the nitrogen pathways. Nitrogen fertilizers dissolve in soil water and release ammonium-N and nitrate N, both of which are taken up by crops. Of the fertilizer nitrogen applied: Much is taken up by the plant. Some is used by soil microbes and incorporated in the soils pool of organic matter (called microbial nitrogen immobilization). The remainder is at risk of loss through leaching and gaseous products (ammonia, nitrogen oxides and di-nitrogen) The amounts are variable depending on the quantity, time and type of nitrogen fertilizer applied, as well as the environmental conditions of soil and climate. Yara has an extensive R & D programme to improve fertilizer N use and to minimise risks of nutrient loss from the soil.
The soil nitrogen cycle

Nitrogen in air (N2) Nitrous oxide (N2O) Nitrogen fixation Nitrogen Fertilizer Agricultural output: grain, roots, vegetables,fruits milk, meat, eggs, etc. Ammonia volatilization
Denitrification
Soluble nitrogen: nitrate (NO3-) ammonium (NH4+)
Soluble nitrogen
Manure
Nitrate leaching
Insoluble nitrogen, mainly in organic matter.
Insoluble nitrogen
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Fertilizer use in agriculture
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21
Q14
Do fertilizers increase soil fertility (productivity)?

Yes. Crops are mining the soil for nutrients; fertilizers replace those nutrients and can maintain or increase soil fertility through plant residues building organic matter in the soil. Appropriate use of fertilizer contributes to good agricultural practice. Mineral fertilizer applications can increase soil organic matter through higher levels of root mass and crop residues. However, incorrect agricultural practices may diminish soil fertility even where fertilizers are used: Increased yields increase nutrient removal, and those nutrients must be replaced. If nitrogen only is supplied, the soil can be so depleted of other nutrients that fertility and productivity suffers. Poor rotations, with little or no return of crop residues or manures can result in reduced soil organic matter content and soil fertility. Fertilizers do not cause such changes, but can mask soil deterioration for some time. Repeated use of acidifying fertilizers i.e. ammonium sulphate, can cause increased soil acidification if not corrected by lime. Crops have varying tolerances to the pH status of soils.
Positive effects on soil quality
SOIL QUALITY
Increase or maintain organic matter: mineral fertilizers - increased yields organic manures - organic content crop residues left in the field crop rotations including grass conservation tillage Stabilises aggregates: liming
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Yara
Q15
How are fertilizer application rates derived?

By taking all the factors involved in the nutrient status of the site, and requirement of the crop, into account fertilizer rates can be calculated to balance the nutrient supply to produce optimum yield.
N demand of the crop
Fertilizer recommendations should meet the crop's demand for nutrients, which is dependent on: Crop type, variety, quality and end use requirements. Nutrient supply from non fertilizer sources i.e. the soil, organic manures etc. Previous fertilizer applications and cropping. Local climatic conditions. Fertilizer recommendations can be estimated from:
kg N/ha
N fertilizer demand
N supply from the soil

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug
Local fertilizer experiments. Farmers experience. Soil and plant nutrient analysis. Research based expert programs.
Such information is combined to give estimates of the amounts of nutrients that should be applied to obtain the best economic result. There is always difficulty in estimating accurate optimum fertilizer rates because: The amount of nutrient available from the soil is difficult to establish accurately. The weather represents an unpredictable influence on the crop's need for nutrients. Yara has developed advisory tools and expert programs, which give fertilizer recommendations for most crops, and special tools for nitrogen fertilization (NTester and N-Sensor), which measure the nutrient demand directly from the plant. Fertilizer recommendations, tools and programmes are essential to increase the accuracy of managing the nutrient supply to crops. The Plant Master series of brochures cover the major growing aspects of the worlds most important crops.
The MCL3 soil sampler. Capable of penetrating the hardest soil, its cylindric probe technology provides samples down to a depth of 120cm.
The Yara N-Sensor.
The Yara N-Tester.
Yara
23
Q16
Average nutrient content of various crops Average nutrient content of various crops
Nutrient Primary Nitrogen Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) Secondary Sulphur Magnesium Calcium
How much fertilizer does a crop need?

It depends on the crop in question, its management, place in the rotation and the expected yield. The N-Sensor is able to detect areas of different nitrogen supply within one field and converts this information into a nitrogen application map that takes into account the different nitrogen demands of the crop.
Nutrient removal (kg t-1 of produce as harvested) Wheat Grain 21 3.6 3 Grain 1.6 1.2 0.4 Rough rice, Philippines Grain 14.6 2.6 3 Grain 0.6 1.0 0.1 Straw 9 0.6 28 Straw 0.4 1.6 3.2 Total 23.6 3.2 31 Total 1.0 2.6 3.3 Sugar beet, UK Root 1.4 0.4 2.7 Root 0.3 0.3 0.6 Top 3.6 0.4 3.4 Top 0.65 0.4 1.2 Total 5 0.8 6.1 Total 0.9 0.7 1.8 Potato Tubers 4 0.7 5 Tubers 0.4 0.4 0.1
(Items written in italics are commercial produce).
More fertilizer is needed if crop residues are removed, than if they remain in the field and are available to the following crop. For example, rice and wheat crops yielding 2-8 t grain/ha absorb 50-190 kg N/ha, 6-22 kg P/ha and 65-250 kg K/ha. The content in the grain amounts to 30-120 kg N, 4-16 kg P and 6-24 kg K per hectare, hence, the total amount needed for each crop depends on whether the residues from the previous crop are left in the field. Crops such as sugar beet and potatoes have a larger proportion of the nutrients in the crop residues, thus, their fate is important when considering the nutrient needs for the following crops and should be taken into account when fertilizer plans are made. Yara fertilizer recommendation programs take previous cropping into account, as well as the other relevant site-specific factors e.g. variety, soil type, planting date etc. Fertilizer recommendations tools and programs are essential for increasing the accuracy of management of the nutrient supply to crops and for providing a record, required by many crop growing protocols. The Yara Plant Master series of brochures has been produced for most major crops.
Sensor map:
Without slurry Cattle slurry Pig slurry
Spectral index High
Low
N-Application map
N (kg N/ha) 100 90 80 70 60 50 40
Winter Barley. N-Sensor measurement and N-application on the 25th of May 1999. Source: AgriCon, Germany.
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Yara
Q17
What constitutes balanced and timely applications of fertilizers?

Balanced fertilizer use implies that: The different nutrients are supplied in the right proportions according to the plant's needs. All nutrient sources available to the crop are taken into account, i.e. mineral fertilizers, farmyard manure, sewage sludge, crop residues etc. The total supply of added nutrients from all sources is just sufficient to meet the crops requirement, so that deficiencies are avoided and nutrient residues in the soil after harvest are minimized. Unbalanced fertilizer use, for example only applying nitrogen, can give yields below the optimum, increase the crop's susceptibility to insect and fungal damage, and reduce crop quality. Timely fertilizer use means to apply fertilizer at or just prior to the time the crop requires a rapid uptake of nutrients. This also minimises any environmental impact of fertilizers. Plant analysis can be used to determine the nutrient status of the crops and the right timing of fertilizer application. Fertilizers should not be applied outside and towards the end of the growing season, or when heavy rain is expected. Yara provides a wide range of fertilizer grades that enable the farmers to select the right balance of nutrients for their crops. Yara has developed advisory tools and programs which give fertilizer recommendations and timing of applications for most crops, with more specific tools for nitrogen recommendations.
Yara
25
Q18
Does precision farming give any benefit to the farmer or the environment?
Yes, it benefits both. Precision farming technology helps the farmer to apply the optimum amount of fertilizer on each spot within a field. The accurate application of fertilizer according to the actual nutrient demand of the crop avoids over-fertilization as well as underfertilization in a field. This variable rate fertilizer application results in higher yields and reduced losses to the environment as the applied fertilizer is utilized more efficiently compared to a standard fertilizer application, which is uniform for the whole field. Standard application doesn't take into account the varying nutrient demand within the field. Yara has developed N-Sensor, a system for measuring crop nitrogen status as it varies within a field and for adjusting fertilizer applications accordingly. Currently, the system has been developed for use with winter cereals, oilseed rape, maize and potatoes.
Q19
Is the condition of fertilizer spreaders important?

Yes, because a poor spreader will not accurately spread fertilizer. Spreader manufacturers have developed application machinery which can achieve good levels of spreading accuracy in field conditions so long as: The machine is set up and adjusted for the type of fertilizer to be applied. The operator is proficient. The fertilizer quality (physical properties) is good and the product is free flowing to enable the machine to work efficiently. Fertilizer spreaders must be well maintained and calibrated regularly by a trained mechanic. Yaras fertilizers have been developed to have consistently good spreading characteristics of size, bulk density and hardness. The Company has a good relationship with the worlds leading manufacturers of fertilizer spreaders, and product is supplied to them, so that good spreading advice and guidance is available for farmers and growers.
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Yara
Q20
What is the effect of uneven spreading of fertilizers and how can it be minimised?
Uneven spreading is costly to the farmer and is potentially harmful to the environment. It can be minimised by choosing a high quality fertilizer with good spreading characteristics and using a well-maintained spreader to apply the fertilizer. Costly to the farmer because only the areas receiving the optimum rate will give a full economic return: The areas over fertilized are unlikely to produce enough extra yield to cover the cost of the additional fertilizer. The areas under fertilized are unlikely to have reached their yield potential. Harmful to the environment because parts of the field could receive excessive rates which depending on field conditions and soil type, could be at risk of leaching. Also harmful if uneven spreading means fertilizer enters a watercourse. Evenness of spreading is measured by the coefficient of variation (CV%): 1-15% is considered acceptable in field conditions Uneven spreading can lead to a loss of yield as shown on this graph: Financial losses due to uneven spreading
50 40 Wheat OSR 1st Cut
Uneven 1st N application with urea in early spring (spreading width 36m)
If you can see striping, loss in yield could be costing: 11.0 euros/ha in winter wheat. 6.5 euros/ha in silage. 7.0 euros/ha in oilseed rape.
Biomass index low high
30 20 10 00 10 20 30 40
Biomass monitoring in May shows a clear striped pattern with under-fertilized and over-fertilized stripes in the field. The stripe pattern is due to bad spreadability of low density urea at 36m working width. Low biomass is a good indicator of a potential loss of yield.
Further financial losses can occur if uneven spreading leads to a loss of crop quality premium. For example, the loss of milling premium in winter wheat could be worth 187 euros/ha (calculated from 22 euros/tonne for an 8.5t/ha crop)
Coefficient of variation (CV%)
The spreading performance of a range of fertilizer products

Products EXTRAN Prilled Urea Yara Size-Matched Granules Non-size Matched Prilled AN + Granules Non-Size Matched Prilled Urea + Granules 10 20 30 40 Coefficient of Variation (CV%)
Source: Yara R&D programme. Trials carried out by Silsoe Research Institute 1999. Spinning disc and pneumatic machines tested at 24 metres bout width in field conditions (max wind speed 10kmh-1).
Faint striping
Clear striping
Spinning Disc Pneumatic Acceptable in field conditions Poor spread pattern Very inaccurate spread pattern
Good quality describes fertilizers which are free flowing, and size- matched, to give an even distribution from the spreader. A pneumatic spreader may have more tolerance than a spinning disc machine but neither type of spreader is able to significantly improve the spreading performance of a poor quality fertilizer. Yaras fertilizers have been developed to have consistently good spreading characteristics of size, bulk density and hardness. Investment in understanding financial implications of poor spreading of fertilizers has been committed via the Companys Research & Development Programme. Yara 27
Q21
How efficiently is fertilizer nitrogen used by crops?

Nitrogen efficiency in arable crop production is high. Experiments with labelled nitrogen in fertilizers applied to cereals show that commonly 40 to 70% of the applied nitrogen is found in the crop. Much of the remainder stays in the soil organic matter. On average 10 to 20% is not accounted for. This amount is probably lost as leached nitrate (NO3-) or as gaseous emissions (nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen (N2) and ammonia (NH3). The efficiency varies with crop, soil, climatic conditions, type of fertilizer used and the application method. Urea applied on the soil surface can lose up to 50% of the nitrogen by volatilization as ammonia. Excessive applications increase nitrogen losses and reduce the nitrogen efficiency.
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Yara
Q22
What is the efficiency of different forms of nitrogen in crop production?

Nitrate fertilizers have generally been found to be the most efficient nitrogen fertilizers. Crops use nitrogen mainly in the nitrate form, but can to a lesser extent also take up the ammonium form. Organic nitrogen, urea and ammonium nitrogen are transformed to nitrate in days or, at most, a few weeks by microbes in the soil. Main reasons for the higher efficiency of nitrates are: A quicker availability (ammonium is adsorbed onto soil minerals). No volatilization losses to the air. A lower uptake by soil microorganisms (ammonium is preferred). The losses of nitrogen by volatilization after application of urea are in the range from 0 to 50%, but difficult to predict. Ammonia tends to be lost from calcareous soil, especially where it is low in organic matter, warm and dry. Smaller losses can occur under these circumstances where UAN (mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate in solution) is applied and even smaller losses where CAN or ammonium nitrate is applied. The reduction in crop yield due to these losses is almost always less than 10% and usually less than 2%. However, a 2% yield penalty is very significant to a farmer and it will always be best practice to use the more effective nitrogen source for local circumstances. Some farmers tend to apply more than the recommended rate of urea-based fertilizers as an insurance against poor efficiency. Nitrate based fertilizers are more accurate, no extra nitrogen is required hence losses are minimized. Nitrate leaching may occur when nitrogen is applied at low crop N-uptake, e.g. during autumn and winter. In general, split N application with N rates adjusted to the crop demand effectively minimises the risk of nitrate leaching. For high N-input systems it might be difficult to find substantial yield differences between ammonium nitrate / calcium ammonium nitrate and urea, but it is important to note that even a 2.5% loss in yield can significantly reduce the farmer's profitability. Yara is the most experienced nitrogen fertilizer company globally. The Company has carried out many fertilizer field trials throughout the world to compare the efficiency of different fertilizer nitrogen sources. Although the trial results are very variable with a large seasonal effect, in most cases, the nitrate-based fertilizers have been found to be generally more efficient and also more reliable compared to urea or ammonium-based fertilizers.
Conversion of urea to nitrate
Urea CO(NH2)2
Ammonium NH4+
Nitrate NO2-
Nitrate NO3-
Hydrolysis
* In soils of pH <7, nitrate usually does not appear as an intermediate product.
Nitrification
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Q23
Do fertilizers acidify the soil?

Some do, some don't. Soils tend to acidify naturally but the rate of acidification can be affected by fertilizer use. Fertilizers containing ammonium (NH4+) are usually acidifying. Hydrogen ions are released and so acidity is increased when ammonium N is oxidized by soil microorganisms to nitrate N. Also, ammonium can displace the basic cations calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) from the soil which decreases pH. Ammonium sulphate is especially acidifying as all the nitrogen is in the ammonium form and the sulphate can contribute to acidity. (Fertilizer use enhances crop growth, which, in itself, is acidifying.) In contrast calcium nitrate has a liming effect. It is important to know the lime status of the soil and its pH status should be checked at regular intervals. If the soil is prone to acidification lime should be applied as appropriate for the crop, soil and region.
Soil acidification from ammonium

Nitrate nutrition pH 4.5 Ammonium nutrition pH 4.5
5.5
Plant root
5.5
6.0 NO3-N maintains/increases pH of the rhizosphere 6.5
6.0 NH4-N acidifies the rhizosphere 6.5
The amount of lime as calcium oxide (CaO) required to neutralize the acid generated from the application of 100 kg N with the fertilizer specified. Lime demand in kg CaO per 100 kg N/applied on arable soil
>300 kg
>100 kg
Urea
> 48 kg
CAN
>-80 kg
CN
Ammonium sulphate
100 kg CN-N per ha is equivalent to an application of >80 kg CaO
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Yara
Q24
Does fertilizer make plants susceptible to pests, disease and weed infestation?
Fertilizers promote rapid growth, which is likely to give the crop a competitive advantage over some, but not all weeds. Rapid and lush growth can create sheltered and humid conditions within the crop, which could encourage some pests and diseases. Healthy plants require an ample and balanced supply of nutrients to ward off and repair attacks by insects and fungi. Appropriate supplies of potassium, calcium and micronutrients are especially important for crop resistance to disease, while excessive nitrogen application can increase weed growth, diseases and pests. To avoid such problems: Correctly timed and balanced fertilizer rates should be applied according to recommendations based on plant and soil analyses. The development of nutrient deficiencies should be avoided.
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Q25
Do fertilizers cause soil compaction and/or erosion?

Not directly. Soil compaction can be caused by heavy machinery used for soil preparation, seeding, weed control, pesticide application, and harvesting or fertilizer application. Fertilizers as such do not cause soil compaction. Calcium, which is the main component in lime and some fertilizers, enhances the formation of soil aggregates and counteracts compaction. Soil erosion is mainly due to poor, short-term management practices e.g. ploughing of slopes and crop rotations that do not provide crop cover. Fertilizer use encourages an abundant supply of roots and plant residues that build up the organic matter in the soil to reduce the wind and rain erosion problem and aid the establishment of new vegetation on reclaimed land.
Lack of crop cover increases risk of soil erosion.
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Yara
Q26
Does fertilizer use contribute to drought problems in agriculture?

No. Fertilizer use contributes to more efficient use of the water available to the crops. It takes less water to produce one tonne of grain in high yielding agriculture than in more extensive systems. A finite water supply would therefore be utilized best if the crop were fertilized to the economic optimum, well protected against pests and diseases and the appropriate variety is grown.
The relation bewteen crop use of water and nutrients

In rainfed, dryland areas, moisture often is the most limiting factor for crop yield, and it is a major challenge to adjust nutrient applications to the moisture regime. Application rates are usually low; however, experience indicates that judicious fertilizer use is one of the most important factors in increasing and stabilizing yields of dryland crops. A fertilized crop yields 100-150% more than an unfertilized crop, but requires only 20-25% additional moisture. Hence the rate of fertilizer application should be decided on the basis of the water-storage capacity of the soil and the type of crop to be grown.
Source: Singh, 1994; Carvalho and Bash (1996)
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Fertilizer - Environmental impacts
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Q27
What environmental problems occur if application rates are well below recommended rates?
Constant cropping without replacing the removed nutrients reduces soil fertility and can lead to soil erosion problems. This situation is more likely to arise in less developed countries e.g. Africa. However, prolonged periods of nutrient removal in excess of input may severely reduce soil fertility and productivity in any farming system. Further, insufficient nutrient supply may lead to a less dense plant cover, which increases the risk of soil erosion. Heavy erosion can remove fertile soil. Permanent plant cover is necessary on steeply sloping land to protect against erosion. Land use is another environmental impact, which is often neglected. If application rates are below recommended rates, yields usually decrease. This means an inefficient use of land, which has to be considered as a scarce resource. To produce the same amount of food, more land has to be cultivated. Yara has developed advisory tools and expert programs which give fertilizer recommendations and timing of applications for most crops, and special tools for nitrogen recommendations
without without fertilizer fertilizer

Maize in Kenya (Photo from Dr. P Seward). .
with with fertilizer fertilizer and and compost compost
Q28
Human activity has doubled the amount on N in the environment
Natural N input is about 113 Mt N/y Anthropogenic N amounts to ca. 140 Mt N/y
- Agriculture is responsible for 80% of the anthropogenic input (two thirds from mineral fertilizers, one third from increased growth of legumes).
What detrimental effects can excessive nitrogen application cause?

Poor economics, as well as crop quality problems and potential pollution to soil, water and air. To soils: unnecessary acidification. To crops: lodging, enhanced susceptibility to diseases, quality problems. To water: acidification, eutrophication and enhanced nitrate concentration that may lead to conflicts with the nitrate limit in drinking water. To air: unnecessary emissions of ammonia (contributing to soil acidification and eutrophication) and nitrous oxide (increasing the greenhouse gas content in the atmosphere). To the farmer: excessive application is an expense with no benefit. These problems are eliminated or minimised by careful fertilizer- planning and use. Yara has developed advisory tools and expert programs which give fertilizer recommendations and timing of applications for most crops, and special tools for nitrogen recommendations.
Legumes Mineral fertilizer
Natural Fossil fuel
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Yara
Q29
Nitrate leaching is low, at or below economic optimum N application
98Yield of wheat t/ha
Do fertilizers leach to ground water?

Generally not. Most potential losses can be negated by adhering to good agricultural practice and following local fertilizer recommendation systems for optimum rates and timing of applications to meet crop need.
Phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen as ammonium (NH4 +) and micronutrients bind efficiently to soil particles, and leaching losses are usually negligible. Most ammonium is gradually transformed to nitrate (NO3-) by soil microbes. This natural process goes on all the time except when the soil is frozen.
leaching of N
765432100 50 100
N applied kg/ha Fertilization kg N/ha
150
- 90 - 80 - 70 - 60 - 50 - 40 - 30 - 20 - 10 -0 200
Leaching kg N/ha
It is when nitrogen is in the nitrate form, (NO3-) that it is most vulnerable to leaching as nitrate does not bind to soil particles, and moves in the soil water unless taken up by the plant roots or soil microbes. Farmer practice can minimise the risk of nitrate leaching by:
Economic optimum yield Source: Yara R&D trials programme.
Source apportionment of phosphorus discharges to Europes seas and percentage reductions

North Sea
80 70 000 tonnes P/year
Avoiding nitrogen applications when heavy rain is expectedparticularly in the spring. Planting winter crops or cover crops to take up post harvest nitrate residues. Using local fertilizer recommendation systems for rates and timing so that the economic optimum rate of nitrogen is not exceeded.
1985 2000
60 50 40 30 20 10 0Agriculture UWWT Industry Aquaculture
Phosphorus does not readily leach, (except in exceptional circumstances, for example at very high soil phosphorus contents and following heavy rains that cause soil erosion). The principle routes of loss are not from fertilizer sources, but from soil surface run off where winter applications of manures and slurry, have been applied particularly to high risk fields. Notably, sloping land with potential for soil erosion, or riverbanks damaged by livestock, which may also defecate directly into rivers. When this occurs, lakes and rivers can become green and cloudy with enhanced algal growth and are referred to as eutrophic. This phenomenon causes the ecosystem to deteriorate, and can deleteriously affect fish populations. Nutrient losses from agriculture to water may increase as a result of changes in agriculture, and where: Fertilizer is not used at optimum rates but in excess of crop demand. More land is brought into cultivation. Wetlands with the ability to absorb nutrients before they reach watercourses are drained and converted to agricultural land. Arable and livestock farming are separated with the concentration of animal farming in certain regions and arable farming in others.
Urban waste water treatment
Baltic Sea
50 45 000 tonnes P/year
Late 1980s 1995
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 50Agriculture UWWT Industry Aquaculture
Urban waste water treatment
Sources: North Sea progress report, 2002. Finnish Environment Institute, 2002. Black Sea Commission, 2002. Caspian Environment Programme (no date). European Environment Agency (EEA 2003).
Yara
36
Q30
Nitrate leaching is low at or below economic optimum N application, example for winter wheat.
10 98Grain yield
Is there an increased risk of leaching when applying highly soluble nitrogen fertilizers?
If there is a balance between nitrogen applied and that removed in crops, the risk of leaching is not great.
- 100 - 80 - 60 - 40
Soil nitrate at harvest (kg N/ha)
It is important to apply the optimum rate according to good agricultural practice. The risk of leaching is increased if excessive nitrogen is applied. The timing of nitrogen applications is also important and in many cases it is preferable to use split applications. A high yielding cereal variety grown under favourable climatic conditions can yield up to ten tonnes per ha and take up between 270 and 300 kg of nitrogen.
Yield t/ha
76540 50 100 Soil nitrate at harvest (risk of leaching) 150 200 250
- 20 -0 300
N rate (kg N/ha)

Data from Baumgrtel et al.(1989).
Q31
NH3
Ammonia volatilization Manure Urea NH4+ Ammonium NO3Nitrate
Do fertilizers give off ammonia which is an atmospheric pollutant?

Some do, others don't. Generally all ammonium-containing fertilizers have the potential for ammonia volatilization, but urea and anhydrous ammonia have the highest potential. Urea can lose up to 50% of nitrogen as ammonia (NH3) through chemical transformations after surface spreading. In Europe the average ammonia loss from urea is about 15%. Ammonium bicarbonate mainly used in China is unstable and emits substantial amounts of ammonia after application. The soil conditions are also important. Nitrogen volatilization grows with increasing soil pH. Ammonium-containing fertilizers (particularly ammonium sulphate and diammonium phosphate) applied to calcareous soils may result in ammonia losses. Nitrate-based fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate and complex fertilizers only lose a very low percentage of the nitrogen in this manner, and nitrate fertilizers e.g. calcium nitrate have no ammonia (NH3) emissions.
Urea hydrolysis
Nitrification
The dominant source of atmospheric ammonia is farm animals and their manures. Fertilizer use only contributes about 10% of atmospheric Emission factors (NH3-N loss as % of total applied N) ammonia in Western Europe Mean spring temperature and North America. Urea (and ammonium bicarbonate) Fertilizer type > 13C 6 - 13C <6C may contribute to higher Urea 20 17 15 emissions in rice growing Nitrogen solutions (eg. UAN) 11 9 7 regions such as Asia.
Ammonium sulphate & ammonium phosphate (Calcium) ammonium nitrate 2.5* 2 2* 1.5 1.5* 1
* on calcareous soils to be multiplied by 10. Based on EEA (2004): EMEP/CORINAIR Emission Inventory Guidebook - 3rd edition September 2004 UPDATE, Technical report No 30.
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Yara
Q32
What problems does ammonia volatilization cause?

Ammonia concentrations in the atmosphere are so low that they do not have any direct toxic effects. Ammonia volatilization though, contributes to the acidification and eutrophication of land and water ecosystems, and plays a role in the formation of fine dust. Acidification results mainly from anthropogenic emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) and is damaging acid-sensitive ecosystems at a regional to continental level. In particular forests and fresh water lakes are sensitive to acidification. The consequences range from defoliation and reduced tree vitality to declining fish stocks and decreasing biodiversity in lakes. NH3 is responsible for 31% of the acidification effect in Europe, SO2 and NOx for 36% and 33%, respectively (EEA, 2001). The gaseous NH3 emission returns back to the surface as dry or wet deposition partly combined with SO2 as ammonium sulphate. While most of the dry depositions of ammonia take place nearby the emission site, compounds with nitric or sulphuric acid can be transported over distances of several thousand kilometres. Eutrophication can be defined as an undesired increase in biomass production in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems caused by high nutrient inputs, which result in a shift in species composition. In surface waters eutrophication is particularly serious because it can lead to algal blooms and the subsequent oxygen-consuming degradation processes, which may finally result in the death of fishes and other organisms. Ammonia emissions that deposit on water bodies and nitrate leaching are the main anthropogenic nitrogen inputs to water. Other important nutrient inputs to water originate from waste water treatment plants and industry. However, land ecosystems may also suffer from nutrient enrichment. Naturally nutrient poor areas with great diversity of plant species (e.g. certain grassland communities) that receive additional nitrogen from the atmosphere will deteriorate in terms of biodiversity. There is increasing concern about negative health effects of particulate matter that contributes to dust formation on a local to regional scale. Ammonia and sulphur emissions are the main sources of fine dust with particles of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) in diameter. The main sources for bigger particles with a diameter up to 10 micrometers (PM10) are stationary combustion plants, industry and traffic (EEA, 1998).
Share of different sources of ammonia emissions in Europe
Animal husbandry Manure storage 34% Grazing 8% Manure spreading 32% Mineral fertilizer Application 12.5% Production 0.5% Leaf emission from crop 5% Miscellaneous 8%
Source: ECETOC Technical Report No. 62 Ammonia Emissions to Air in Western Europe.
Nitrogen turnover in soils

N2 NH3 volatilisation NH4 fixation Plant nitrification immobilisation Organic N Mineralisation binding to clay minerals leaching dentrification NO3 NO + N2 + N2O
Yara
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Q33
Is the economic optimum fertilizing intensity in conflict with environmental consideration?

No. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies of different application rates of nitrogen fertilizer have shown that crop production at rates above the economic optimim N rate as well as without applying N fertilizer causes the highest environmental damages. The economic optimum fertilizer rate shows only economic and social considerations. The economic fertilizing intensity is therefore preferable from a sustainability point of view. In the Yara authored, 2004 paper to the European Journal of Agronomy (vol 20, pp 247-264), entitled Environmental impact assessment of agricultural production systems using the life cycle assessment methodology. The theoretical concept of a LCA method tailored to crop production. Yara scientists based at the Hanninghof Research Centre have developed an LCA method specifically tailored to plant nutrients in arable crop production in Europe.
The scope of Life Cycle Assessment studies by Yara using European data Raw material extraction - Fossil fuels - Minerals Production & transportation - Fertilizer - Pesticides - Machinery - Seeds Arable farming - Tillage - Sowing - Plant nutrition - Plant protection - Harvest = Wheat grain Inventory of environmental impacts (per/t grain) Emissions (NO3, NH3, N2O, CO2 etc) and Resources (Oil, gas, land etc) Aggregation to effects (per/t grain) Global warming Acidification Eutrophication Land use Energy consumption EcoX value (per/t grain)
The role of fertilizers, at varying rates in terms of environmental impact

EcoX/t grain
0.8 -
Eutrophication (water and land) Acidification Global warming Land use
0.6 -
0.4 -
0.2 -
0.0 0 96 Kg N / ha 192 288
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Yara
Q34
Do we gain or lose useful energy by using mineral fertilizers?

We gain! Agriculture produces energy in the form of food or feed for humans or animals. Generally, the amount of energy stored in the harvested biomass is higher than the energy required to produce the biomass. Fertilizers greatly increase this positive energy balance of agriculture, because the use of nitrogen fertilizer enables crops to grow more biomass which in turn fixes additional solar energy. Fertilizer use consumes fossil fuels in order to produce food or feed, i.e. another form of energy that is not equivalent to what has been consumed. If agriculture produces energy crops (like rape or maize) which are used to produce biodiesel or bioethanol, more fuel is produced than consumed - and optimum fertilizer supply enhances this positive energy balance.
Capture of solar energy due to mineral fertilizers

GJ/ha
140 120 100 80 GJ/ha grain
+55
Solar energy captured in extra biomass produced due to fertilizer use Solar energy in biomass produced without fertilizer use Tillage etc Fertilizer (170 kg N/ha)
60 40 20 0-20 - 7.5 - 7.5 -8 71 71
Energy is a central issue in agriculture. The very reason for agricultures existence is to supply energy to mankind. It does this by converting foliar energy into biomass, which in turn supplies energy to human beings and animals in the form of food and feed. In fact, fertilizers can be considered a catalyst for capturing clean solar energy. Depending on the crop and the yield, the plants can capture 5-10 times the amount of energy that is used in making and supplying fertilizers. If the crop or crop residues are used for fuel, this will replace the use of fossil fuels and thus lead to an overall reduction of the emission of CO2 climate gases. Also, organic matter build-up in soils by the plant residues may lead to long term capturing of CO2.
zero N 4.7 71.0 7.5 63.5
170 kg N/ha 8.2 126.0 15.5 110.5 Grain yield (t/ha) Energy yield (GJ/ha) Energy consumption (GJ/ha) Net energy yield (GJ/ha)
Date: Winter wheat field trials (Germany). Energy content: 15.4 GJ/t grain or straw
Fertilizers increase energy 1 unit of energy for production and use of fertilizers Solar energy Food and feedstuff Plants for biofuel Plant residues Conversion to biofuel Soil organic build-up
5 - 10 energy units stored in plants due to the use of fertilizers
Yara
40
Q35
How much energy (fossil fuel) does it take to make one kg of nitrogen fertilizer?
Modern fertilizer plants utilize natural gas or other gases like propane or ethylene. In the most efficient plants it takes 0.6 kg of natural gas to make one kilo of nitrogen as ammonia or ammonium nitrate, and 0.75 kg to make urea. This is equivalent to 0.8 and 0.93 kg respectively, of fuel oil. Most of the energy consumption in the nitrogen fertilizer chain is during the production phase. The energy efficiency in N fertilizer production has been significantly improved since the beginning of the 20th century. Modern fertilizer factories are close to the theoretical minimum of energy consumption.
91%
2%
7%
Production 40 GJ/t N
Logistics and transport 1 GJ/t N
Application 3 GJ/t N
Reduced energy consumption

450 400 - Birkeland-Eyde electric arc method 350 -
GJ/t N
300 250 200 150 100 50 Theoretical minimum 1915 1930 1950 1960 Haber-Bosch synthesis Steam reforming natural gas Cyanamid method
01910
1975
2000
41
Yara
Q36
Are fertilizers free of toxic substances and safe to handle?

Yara has a complete set of Safety Data Sheets for every product to ensure safe handling. Fertilizer nutrients are not toxic per se and do not contain toxic substances. There are internationally agreed criteria to define a substance which is regarded as toxic and requires a warning label. Fertilizers (except for anhydrous and concentrated ammonia solutions) are not classified as toxic. However, most mineral fertilizers are soluble salts, and fertilizer dust on skin will dissolve in sweat and give a concentrated salt solution that can cause irritation, dehydration or skin damage. Some fertilizers can decompose in a fire to produce fumes that are toxic due to the content of chlorine and /or nitrogen oxides. Fertilizer in storage should be separated from sources of heat and combustible materials. Ammonium nitrate is a recognized oxidizing agent and there are special requirements for its safe handling and storage. Local regulations cover these aspects in countries where ammonium nitrate is used. Yara has a clear policy for health, safety, environment, quality and product stewardship in all its areas of operation. Further information, including Safety Data Sheets can be found on the Companys website www.yara.com
Conforms to 91/155/EEC - 2001/58/EC - United Kingdom (UK)
Safety Data Sheet
1.1
Data Shee t
1. Identification of the substance/preparation 5. Fire-fighting measures 1. Confo rms to 91/15 an Ide and of the company/undertaking 5/EEC Extinguishing media: nt 1. Iden d release runoff from fire to - 2001 Use water only in flooding quantities. Do not o if /58/EC Id and of tificationsewers waterways. Open doors andcwindows to f t maximum ventilation. - Unite e give ica Identification of the substance or preparation and of the he ti d Kin o nt of th the co gdom company/undertaking Pro mp ific e subs (UK) co on a a mpany exposure hazards: Special Product name: SDS Group 1.1 Ident tance/ S duct ny/u tion m of In /under Avoid breathing dusts, vapours n fumes from of or comp ification of pa t n So o taking pryeparatamnd rtburning materials. may case of inhalation of decomposition productsein athe symptomshe fire, Synonyms: ny Prod any/undert the subs ny ca lid ioe: S akin u uc contain ta delayed. Fire-fighters should N ms self-containedspositive pressure n pa wear : be nce or Solid straight AN - must be not less than 20% N, may t name aking /u sub DS 5. Fi : SDS ble PK g bst prepa ammonium sulphate, magnesium nitrate, dolomite, inert fillers. Syno re-fig nd st ration Us Grou breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full, turnout gear. an Gro of NP ny p 3.1 er an o ce hting an Fe deof Solid ms: cig , N up Extin rtil f the ta eae or Co m csu ar K gu Hazardous thermal decomposition productscomb N - less tha ize the nfo Use 4ishing pre ki /p s bu .1 Co ustib r s (NO, NO2...). sew water on media: les or n 70 % am These products are nitrogen oxides u filler Use of the substance/preparation: rn not Avoid breathing dusts, rm ng re p re Ya mp bs or ing m ers ly in ara s to moniu or and no less tha less than Fertilizer pa ta Im ra U an , w of waterwa flo tio m 80 vapours nit fumes from burning materials. In case ore inhalation of odingn nc t more n 45% 91/ ra it be decomposition No min L y/un e/p ammo% ammo rate, productsKin a fire, symptoms may ec delayed. ys. Open doquantities. Sp h tha than and an 15 t ial n D rt g im 0. orsd Use of re Av out expo Company/undertaking identification, Manufacturer / Supplier: 4% co nium nit nium nitrat hnothmore dert 5/E and wi Do not rel io of nd pa oid bre 70sure Ea rat T: N4 e wi am ite lim mbus tha ak n Fertil the subs EC Yara UK Limited ra th ows to ease runoff athing ca t + in izer t tance/p 6.tibles. eFwith 40 2N th Ldolomitemeasuresseioof inh esto% aduhazards: Accidentalmosniuin d n,0.4% give ma e : + 4 am release from -2 g m sts, va Immingham be de n: alatio m repara ximum id 44 (0 S mosu n 5. ve fire to 00 c lph inert e pours Comp tion: . North East Lincolnshire nt breathlayed. Fir en of oniu (0 ) 14 1/5 m any/u Fi ntilation. PersonalEPrecautions: 6 UK lnsh ate e-figh decompos or fumes ific ing ap Yara ) 14 +4 e 8/E DN40 2NS UK E re UK Limndertak pa fighting m ou e at Use suitable rgen protective 6 9 5 equipmentir(Section 8). Follow all fire ratus ters shnit ition produfrom burni U xti Na 4 (0 ing ide Immi -fi C io T: +44 (0) 1469 554600 ld Haza n (SCBA ra wear ng e ng cts in s ma u cy 5). 9 5 54 ngha ited -U ntifica tio ) procedures (Section rdo g ) and m te North a sew w terial 7 6 te F: +44 (0) 1469 571624 These , us therm tion, M nit s. , N se full tur lf-conta fire, sym te ishin In ht a 1 a produn DN40 East Linco ined ers aptomsg al de 2. Mannuflac865 leph 1 62400 ed ing OT nout ge S posit w r o ma vapo C precautions uf are tu 4 urs Environmental he rer on and clean-up methods:or cts a nit compositio Kin ar. pe ivete nly mey T: +4 2NS UK lnshire a pre Co Emergency telephone number: deco / Su 0 m spilledematerial c to Av cia 4 (0) m gd Su in Minimize contact ofic 73 pplier: with soils to mpos fumes tfro surfaceoxide n produ prevent runoff ure rogen nu rw ssuredia F: +4 m om ca oid l e ea ition cts +44 (0) 1865 407333 al 3 m ay flo : 4 (0 1469 55 Pre bs r produ m/ burning s (NO, NO waterways. p be s. od Em 3 b se o bre xpo (U su cts S National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC) ) 1469 57 4600 W pa tan mater os Op in 2...) e r: in a fire K) 6. Acc s erg up 1624 b . de f a ials. Emerg re en g q co ithin rati ce/p iti In reAvoid inh thin ure p identa s tool re scoop up solid or enc absorbed material and place into appropriatelie , symptoms caseath laybreathing h do uan +44 ency telep th ntaUse a on to p on ofin ed ala g d az inh . ors titi (0 is labeled wasteacontainer. Absorb with dry Pe or other noncombustible du in th yC H y ma l rele r: sand Natio ) 1865 hone numb /in se an e p ra be g aala ir tio of u stsa an es. en Us rsonal Pr as Po azard delay Ftion n o sts, , rds 4073 nal Ch ingredients tio cti y reAvoid creating dusty conditions and prevent wind dispersal. Keep e m M er: pped. e dw D 2. Composition/information on emica 33 m ay material. sen ecautio e suita t fo on ha (N n: easuretenti ou ara fig f de vap : ns ind o n , in za t l Em r 13 reprocedureble Information. (N an O,s al s th tu hte co ou ergsu ono con out of waterways. See Section m for Waste Disposal protectiv : ow ot re rd kn en CE s (S rs m rs s (Secti ac o o e Substance/preparation: at m d p NO Pro erm s to le erp an ta ure pcy Cent in c u w C on 5). equipme 2. Com a h CB sho posit or fu io Environ) so Note: seeorda s ing le for Preparation as afo ho d re (NCEC) section 8 dg personal protective equipment and section 13 fornt (Secti sym teri osp2 ...) ducts al giv ase A) uld ion m n s di m on 8). als ha , s d po product nc e m run Minim mental pto . Within the present knowledge of the supplier, this sitiondoesonotrma pha wasteedisposal.e red e o an w p es am o il on Follow te ulp : Ca eco preca Subs wit ien f th ax off d ea rod fro m In all s. h rb m water ize contac uti /i , in in 6. contain any hazardous ingredientsPr quantities requiring reporting am ldeh te, p mo r all in tance/p fu r s u m s m ca fire fig r o po im fro t of sp ons and wan 3. nformat y A u h E ts e i ys. ll epara repara um m o ng illed ma cle Ac de this section, in accordance with EU regulations or National regulations. e, io hos nium of ay se voidhtixid n ox sitio tu elf- cts in bu gr U storage tion tion: H With th nHandling and in qusuppli Use a P rn co cla7. inon terial an-up me c rn , ph ve fire re be of in bre es ide n in Th az ou nta a ing withrs gu an e nti to y o ert ate ph e fo in o tool to ed id U e soi thods: conta the pre de ha ath (SO s (C pro e t g in fire m o lab lati la ti r, ele 19 to ar sco i r ta fi rogredllo May contain some of the following ingredients in sent know pre pro se s nls to preen al this sein any ha addition9 ammonium on up win vent run laye latio ing 2 , S O, C duc Handling: ck, sphaients tion ties this d waste open sol ma lc. llers ta off to d. n du O O ts ear. ed po, symateria ctionnitrate or dolomite, inert ds . nitrate:- ammonium sulphate, magnesium , zardous 9ledge ra /4 p s and terial Av contai ts id or ignition ced uitab Pre re p S in acco e ingred a of the su i Avoid creatingu potawhen g:5/E ti qu ro oid cre ner. Ab s dust te, handling oroutavoid .all possible sources of absorbe lr sit pto ls surface of sts 3 , e 2 ) En d ure le cau d(spark e Na ofirin ter ien talc. pp e c s a s fillers such as sand, coating materials such as oil,sy rdanc clay C tson amine, or sor dust ma wa du May ive m . In ating de , p e tc a r, s e c m sec with a inisquan lien thior flame).hAvoid m ing mm wa co ti dusty b M v a siu contamination by any source including metals,with iro ters (S ro tion co vap .), nd w pre s m pto tio n reg nitrat ntain some ec pla : EU d n tities organic duct s s n san tireq pro materials. ch le s onNote:onal g rept dys. See Secti cona inimdry m dial antidtecticesint leas wdit m o ha a oe e:- am o and f uir a ss ay po urs lo te m n doesnd lo u iu itsulattio of oer on 13 teionize d n or othn ve o appro e inert ic ure m se re ort s ns s. sit o ge r, n rw s an e ta niu the follow1 1 fo fillers mo4 m am clas or Na a ing report notn ride pewaste dise section no eq a co m rp su po gula in8 for Us for Waste n prevent wi5noncombu priate ion r fu na itro ). ay 3. Hazards identification such as F sulphate ing ringred enStorage:tional reg ing in d c , p ho lp sal ti g in t pe l . sif talc, tio nd uipm sti ea s. Dispore ta p m second In . o la rsona e o pro me ted ge , dm ie ct salaInf dispersa ble ore irs c away from . oa tas s h ha flame,nor any otherbl lea too aryhnu sand, coati dolomite ientsStoredand use n ulationsheat,tisparks,popente en Ke su in e dit eprotec l.t ep s fr com n o s. m ignition tiv of u ormati du ad 7. siumaterials. ng H a Av a according trie The preparation is not classified as dangerous la nts t to Directive ,dgypssource.aAvoid contact with combustible ante , u On farm keep awaydfrom e eq ion on. (S sp tio re cts om p xid e um nts s dato am ou ateri w l to m m dlinre ai ng ma t ec t o al. as sc uipmentilan ns a led s n 1999/45/EC and its amendments. a s , tr g in bu oun es a 3. HazIn oid breion: and/or microterialstailed as . lcium eSu monium suhay, (Ca diesel, etc. tio d o ch grain, g ro d secti a fi rn ds Hand teria ulph iple ,and N m nd n8 m -nutrients info oil, aminoulphate) g ds stor f wateAvo te co op u ath ate on 13 lin If are c re ing ). Avoid g:ls s ate, . e wa ote: agerw id c nta p s ,s a y , ria leanfor in rm See section 11 for more detailed informationio iden g effects and cla or The pre im larg st on health uc Fo ste se tid ca asu l w -u co ati (spark creating du h fi ti 8. Exposure ccontrols/personal protection s ays. reatininer. olid or llo symptoms. m m e 1999 paration q n: rd us ith p m st wh or fla on d e e w on re /45/Ed ediaisuno ing an g Ab en ha t. pe e C a all so e o o s Occupationalnexposure limits:d organic me). Avoid 7. Hndlinispana ction See S dusty sorbabsorb rso icand tely ntiti ssifie If in ils th al its t cla to fire contam g sdl.avo 8 mater he od See se d as h ec pe . ames to Dir n ialH endm an tion alt ina Sk s. id all fig St 3 e for po tio co wit ed pre s: le en symptocti 4. First aid measures on 11. for rsonDo N of th ts. daangderous ac Total inhalable dust h 10 mg/moracge: Sto hti in dl by any soupe ssiblensounditioh dry mate Av ms Av and ve eff , re ignitio tive 13 moree O cordi ng n ing . nt rce o rs inc rce w oid Con (sus ec 3 n sou re and p oid ling ng to ri fo sns detai in is m l. Tled m ru ign naluding r W ofan sand al a Ne d infa dust - 4 ov RespirableDirectiv mg/mtsaway fro rce. Avoidark away : irri ash pro tac an e crea fro Inhalation: no mea d ition nd te an an lp ormati m ha e e tals, du or v u ta h ff o ste pre o pla y, gra d oconr fl tting m heat, d to d rote Avoid breathing dust. If4. Fi o remove t: fresh air. er g ce v rial on on inhaled, and long to ti to st th rga tac wi d healtfre Ey Sto in, diese am th com sparks op rst ai ed n su ive om are s, Exposure controls n l, e u 8. Ex h effec de s th o bu sh rfa to fla cti e Dis ve e ce In e c ig an itin sw o m ve dro r ea posureiorage ic metc).. Avst whe stible marenial me, orvaneq posant winr noncinto a ce airts and c ala Ingestion: yth g a ofInhas ont ter aw nit ate o ag s. On lop ug rep su tio . l In d o p y uip Av material n s Sto wa o n: ay co:nt in ria id n h If large quantities of thisoidebre act are swallowed, te resphysician g unle llowRespiratory protection: Occupa s. hly ea call a e formdisp mbu prop farm other m te f c :ing ed re tiona keep en respirator ou rols/p ls. con an an ri Se w d Total immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by by ss d Use a properly fitted, particulate filter8l ex frocomplyingnwith er approved r. ath , a ati ersa stib ate ta du inhala . is sum h rce. Respiratorso tam dling G on sy e s es give anything st. If inh ithtocan unconscious mo ire call if a risk assessment indicates this ponecessary.A d standard selection a nain n on l. K le nd ble du medical personnel. Never tio et tact by mouth so onta ay m Ingc e l ti d uth cte be based on known or anticipatedEst - re limitsvo thee aled, a c . ee p lartio se Ifto ge n: me w must a ph exposure levels, id s hazards of aprota xp 10 mg,/m : u aw Resp tw Oc gra remov p person. on ection p it cti irable to d an eitto m imme nquantitidica h e To limits on o selected3in, d conta ay by void the a to d ysand the safe working ta cup of the s product ic respirator. dust sdia 1 1 fo d h fresh es of ye . tel n l a thi ati4 mg u wa sk 13 an all o ian fro air. ies ct medic l un s y. m Expo s , ri Skin Contact: r ys p for te in. al pe r Do NO tten smater sure el, wit m h co o b Re co inha ona /m3 e ou oss r. ore Hand protection: ns y ti After are co la Avoid prolonged orperson. contact with inducese ial handling, always repeated rsonnel. T skin. n sp ntrols b l e etc h c ea Ge Aft rce ible cio ira Neve oGet im tin sw le xp . RespE nt eta r n if vomi g attention , m e wash hands thoroughly with soap anddwater.giv medical unallowedt if r ha Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves or gauntlets complying with an om t, sp inc so b us ira du os xp eirri yth b call a approved ro a Sk an me lud urc les ed ph ile Use a betory at all worn le du s ure irritation develops. in Cont d ta ing by s directedic ndliysicia standard should proosu protecs times twhen handling chemical usti rks, d ls/ ing es perly Avoid ac tio iate mo ble o R al ng n stand info tre fitt tio is - 10 lim uth to toproducts if a risk assessment indicates thisn: necessary.it prolon t: pe do m of ig n a , c 4 U eard m pen rm eta n must spirif a riskoned, particula mg s: oc ly w by an unttesoalw ate fl Eye contact: wash hand ged or rep rso assess m te /m cu ith tr sta se be ba conti cio a ls, itio a a irritat s ria am 3 rs Eyenson ays protection: the pro pro tory on ols mentg/m 3filter res o us In case of contact with eyes, thorough eated cowithtiancopious.amount ion de rinse immediately ac du n m ndaduct sed n ls. e, indica pir nta ly with velop st an pthe op tes thi ator com al Use dustifgogglesth high dustpconcentration is generated. if ust rd erl d ro known or On or a of water. Get medical attention if irritation occurs.ct wion s. soap th sk iou e Eye co ph Hap be if a y fi tec e wo anticipated s is neces plying wit in. farmny and wa hea Af nd b ri tt saf sa ntac sary. Re ro an ap rking ter o In ter. lt H Ch rodproa tio e tio limits exposure tor m Skin u tec s a Gee me spirat e proved See section 11of case of detailed information on health effectshand handling, protection:n emicact sed kn: d, p n: for more cot: ke ther tff dic lev o alw of the l-re o the C a equipment for ss art ep ap sel nta water ec Personal protective p al att unt ays a hem dproved ansistant, essbody should be selected based on , the ha ctiection selec els symptoms. ic . Get ct with ey d thn k ted res ts entio zar on pe medic ic rote n if p pproproducts standard noimmen uou es, rin an pirato ds of e shou rvilate glo w ro v al- cif s al Se se r.
Safet y
Sa fe t
3.1
yD
at
aS he
et
4. 1
e secti on
Safety data sheets.
d a atten t sa du ed res tio risk assfe n ld be filt ves or tion if immedia o in wo cts sta essmea dic rn rat Eye pro ista n: tel 11 for Ey irritat wo r nt atee re all gauntlets n more ion oc y with a co rkin tiindicatesspir times wh comply Us e p Useifdu nda tion: cip s a ri tec nt, im detai curs. pious st gogg led inf ato g li ate this this is ne en hand ing with an sk rd s amou e d rote ormati les if ling ch as ho perv m d e is n r co cessar Sk nt ustSkcti on on emica its x e m y. se uld high dust iou goinon p c Pe in p healt l ss gg pro h effec rso ro Persole : tection:me be s g concenof th osu essa plyin tratio re ry g ts an e n is ge . na tethe nalifprotec s nt wo love d se levnerat wit l p ctio task be ind hig tive equip rn a s o lec els Reed. h ing pe rote n ment h d rform icate t all r ga te , thspira an : for the d re e to ap cti ed an s ti un us ve p d the m body sh r tc th ris e tle eq is ks invts ould spir haza sele rove on sw a be se to rd cti d is uip olved ce lected s on ne he com. ntr r. m o bafsed ce n h ply en ati ss an in on t fo on ary d g r th is . ling wit ge eb ch h a ne od em n rate ys ica d. ho l uld be se lec te db as ed on
42
Yara
Q37
What is the Companys policy regarding fertilizers and the wider environment?
Yara is committed to continuously improving and developing products, services and advice so that the companys fertilizer products actively: Contribute to a sustainable agriculture. Are responsibly used in line with best agricultural practice Utilize best available technology in production Meet best agricultural practice. Comply with legislation. The responsibility for how the product is actually used remains with the farmer. Fertilizers are biologically active compounds, and as such, they can influence the environment. It is the Companys policy to reduce environmental impacts along the entire life cycle of a fertilizer, i.e. from production through to the use of our products. Great improvements have been achieved in production technologies to minimise energy use and emissions. Fertilizers correctly used are environmentally benign products. They are not poisonous to soil or water, and consist of naturally occurring plant nutrients that are necessary for maintaining soil fertility and securing adequate and sustainable food production. The main environmental concerns arise through the irresponsible use of fertilizers.
The company promotes the responsible and correct use of fertilizers throughout the supply chain, with adherence to good agricultural practices. The understanding of how our products behave in the environment is important to Yara, enabling avoidance of recommendations that could have unnecessary environmental effects. Investment in R & D, adoption of novel technologies and the development of tools for optimal fertilizer use (taking full account of all nutrient sources) works to ensure minimal environmental impact. The Company has for many years published guidelines and has developed Fertilizers, agriculture and sustainability expert systems for the end user which produce fertilizer recommendations like the N-Tester and N-Sensor and Yara Plan. The Company published a guidebook on environmental issues relating to fertilizer use in 1990: (Agriculture and Fertilizers; private publisher), which was updated and extended in 1999 (Agriculture, Fertilizers and the Environment; CABI publishing).
43
Yara
For further information please contact: Yara International ASA Bygdy all 2, N-0202, Oslo, Norway www.yara.com

Fertilizers and The Environment

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Fertilizers and The Environment

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Important questions on fertilizer and the environment

Yara - the global company

The role of fertilizers

The role of fertilizers in:

Feeding the world

- the social dimension of sustainability

Population, 1000 million

Fertilizers Manure - 1 Soil reserves of nutrients

Grain yield t/ha

The role of fertilizers in:

Making crop production competitive

The use of mineral fertilizers pays off

Wheat yield response (monetary value) to N fertilizer rate

Net return is 7x the investment

400 200 100 00 50 100 150 200 250 300

Fertilizer application, kg N/ha

The role of fertilizers

The role of fertilizers in:

Protecting the environment

- the ecological dimension of sustainability

Transformation of land in the period 900 - 2000

Water Ice Other land

Unexploitable forest Primary forest Secondary forest Natural grass

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Primary, secondary and micro-nutrients

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

How and when were fertilizers invented?

Soil Conditions & Other Growth Factors

JUSTUS VON LIEBIG 1803 - 1873

How plants take up nutrients

manures plant residues fertilizers

plant residues are decomposed into minerals

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Why are mineral fertilizers necessary?

The economic gains from applying mineral fertilizer

No fertilizer Mineral fertilizer 192 kg N/ha

The use of mineral fertilizers pays off

Wheat yield response (monetary value) to N fertilizer rate

Net return is 7x the investment

400 200 100 00 50 100 150 200 250 300

Fertilizer application, kg N/ha

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

How are fertilizers produced?

Fertilizer production routes

Nitric acid plant

Phosphoric acid plant

Sulphuric acid plant

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Yara Glomfjord - Emissions to Air

To water: Nitrogen (N) 1.88 t N/d Phosphorus (P) 0.13 t P/d

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Where do fertilizer raw materials originate?

Product Stewardship (from mine to farm)

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

European energy use

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Plants need three main nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium

YIELD AND QUALITY

Yara International unique global presence and infrastructure

Mineral fertilizers - Essential plant nutrients for sustainable food production

Nitrogen content in 1 tonne of fertilizer