Global Food Security Relies on Nitrogen Fertilizer Supply Chains: Understanding the Complexities of Atmospheric Nitrogen Conversion
Original framing: “From the air to the field: How nitrogen fertilizer helps feed the world—and why supply chains matter” — Phys.org
The history of nitrogen fertilizer use is closely tied to the development of industrial agriculture and the colonial exploitation of natural resources. This legacy continues to shape global food systems today, with many small-scale farmers and local communities struggling to access nitrogen-rich soils.
The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants is a critical process that underpins global food security.
However, the supply chains that support this process are complex and vulnerable to disruptions, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between nitrogen fertilizer production, global trade, and local ecosystems. By integrating indigenous knowledge systems, historical perspectives, and scientific research, we can develop more sustainable and equitable food systems that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term ecosystem resilience. This will require more inclusive and participatory approaches to food system planning and management, as well as a commitment to reducing environmental impacts and improving soil health through nitrogen fertilizer reformulation, small-scale farming support, and global food system planning.