Feeding the world’s growing population
New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food producer is growing.
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand promotes and encourages responsible and scientifically-based nutrient management.
Fact Sheets
The Value of Phosphorus Fertiliser
The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand commissioned a study to analyse the value of phosphorus fertiliser to the primary sector, both at the farm gate and to the wider New Zealand economy.
The study assesses the economic impact of the decline in soil fertility if phosphorus fertiliser was not available. We have presented the findings in a downloadable infographic.
The Value of Nitrogen Fertiliser
In 2019, the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand commissioned a study to analyse the costs to the primary sector both associated with removing nitrogen fertiliser or using a substitute. For pastoral farms, this included use of supplementary feed to replace grass grown with nitrogen fertiliser. The research findings demonstrated that not using nitrogen fertiliser would result in a drop of $19.8 billion gross output to the New Zealand economy and a drop in GDP of $6.7 billion.
The report findings have been summarised in a downloadable infographic.
What drives fertiliser use in New Zealand?
This factsheet provides a snapshot of the factors that drive fertiliser use in Aotearoa New Zealand.
How fertiliser helps to create productive soil
Our soils are the foundation of our food system. Healthy soils produce healthy crops that in turn nourish people and animals. Well managed and productive soils are directly linked to food quality and quantity. Soils supply the essential nutrients, water, oxygen and root support that our food-producing plants need to grow and flourish.
But how do we ensure that our soil is in the best condition possible to enable our food system to prosper? And what role does fertiliser play in achieving this?
Uranium – in soil, plants and fertiliser
Uranium at trace levels in soil and plants is a natural occurrence. While the levels of uranium in soils are very gradually increasing due to phosphate fertiliser application, this represents no threat to human health or the environment.
Phosphorus Use Guidance Note
This Guidance Note clearly explains why we need to manage phosphorus losses and why we need to build on the international principles of the '4 Rs' for good management of nutrients.
Projections indicate nitrogen fertiliser use has decreased
Use of nitrogen fertiliser from the early 1990s has supported the growth in export revenue from agriculture. Recent policies and economics in New Zealand have reduced the use of nitrogen fertiliser while maintaining this growth in revenue.
This fact sheet discusses how recent increases in global fertiliser prices, weakening of commodity prices, responses by farmers to regulations and a focus on best practice and increased use efficiency have reduced the use of nitrogen fertiliser.
Advisory: Winter fertiliser P application
After receiving questions on whether it is appropriate to apply phosphate (P) fertiliser during the winter months, the Fertiliser Association has produced an advisory on good management practice principles.
As well as providing basic guidance, this advisory refers readers to our Code of Practice and nutrient management booklets. We also provide questions to help land managers step through a risk assessment process.
