IPNI and the World of Crop Nutrition September, 2013 Paul E. Fixen Sr. Vice President

IPNI is a not-for-profit, scientific organization in its 7 th year of operation Established in 2007 from the Potash Phosphate Institute (PPI) The mission of IPNI is to develop and promote scientific information about the responsible management of plant nutrition for the benefit of the human family.

IPNI is supported by leading fertilizer manufacturers …

… and industry associations

IPNI scientists and 13 Program Areas Eastern Europe & Central Asia North America Brazil Latin America Southern Cone Northern Latin America Mexico & Central America Australia & New Zealand Sub-Saharan Africa North Africa Middle East Southeast Asia South Asia China Agronomic programs focus on research and education

1.Collaborate with others to lead in the development of regional and global plant nutrition issues 2.Facilitate research supporting 4R nutrient stewardship for the sustainable use of plant nutrients 3.Educate and engage our stakeholders to enable continuous improvement of nutrient stewardship 4.Support IPNI members in their research and educational activities related to nutrient use

IPNI scientists have regional and global responsibilities Regional programs are driven by local staff to address local challenges and opportunities related to plant nutrition – Agronomic education – Research and demonstration activities – Member company support Global nutrient issues are addressed through thematic working groups – Nutrient use & cycling – Nutrient stewardship performance & environment – Nutrient stewardship educational tools – Nutrient decision support – maize systems – Nutrient decision support – soybean systems – Nutrient decision support – precision agriculture

Source of Funding for Research Having at Least Some Support from IPNI in 2012 (% of $13.5 million total cost) Outside sources: Government Universities NGOs Commodity groups Industry (non-IPNI) $0.9M $1.8M Research program is heavily dependent on partnering $10.9M 189 projects

Decision Support Tools …. integrate the numerous site factors used in making decisions about nutrient management practices… Nutrient Expert for wheat helps you to: Evaluate current nutrient management practices Determine a meaningful yield goal Estimate fertilizer NPK rates Translate rates into fertilizer sources Develop application strategy (source, rate, time, place) Compare expected or actual benefit of current and improved practices

Precision Ag in IPNI programs The premier precision event with over 1100 attendees 5 concurrent sessions 78 speakers Going annual – 7/2014 A key to the future of nutrient stewardship 101 Exhibits

Communications and Websites Hard copy and e-publications Press releases, folders, periodicals, manuals, books, posters, slide sets, Better Crops, etc.

Soil Test Levels in North America 4.4 million samples from 60 private and public labs P, K, Mg, S, Cl -, Zn and pH represents about 75% of samples taken

Percent of samples testing below critical levels for major crops in 2010 P LevelsK Levels Source: Soil Test Levels in North America, IPNI Median soil test P = 25 ppm; declined 6 ppm from 2005 Median soil test K = 150 ppm; declined 4 ppm from 2005 ppm = parts per million

Nutrient Use GIS - NuGIS A simple partial nutrient balance algorithm Farm fertilizer Recoverable manure Biological N fixation Removal by crop harvest Partial nutrient balance 1987 to 2007 in 5-yr increments set by Census of Agriculture (COA) 2010 soon to be released

Interactive Graphics 3,117 counties 2,150 8-digit hydrologic units 18 Hydrologic regions

P and K net balance for the 12 Corn Belt states P2O5P2O5 K2OK2O NuGIS, 4/17/2013

Annual change in median soil P level for 12 Corn Belt states as related to state P balance, *NuGIS 1/12/2012. WI IL MI IA MN SD KS OH IN NE KY MO

Annual program report highlight activities. Available at:

Universal science … applied for local impact

Our biggest challenge: the permanent “greening” of this map % of population undernourished

World population prediction to 2100 (UN, 2010) 7 billion today, 9 billion by 2050

The world needs to produce more food, while diets are changing … Source: FAOSTAT, 2012

The world needs to produce more food … 50 to 70 % increase by 2050, some predict 100% Options: 1. Increase harvested area 2. Increase yield

US average corn yields, Modified w/ permission: Cassman et al., Convergence of Agriculture and Energy. CAST 1.8 bu/A/yr (underpinning stream of tremendous technological innovation) Double-X to single-X hybrids Expansion of irrigated area, increased N fertilizer rates Soil testing, balanced NPK fertilization, conservation tillage Transgenic (Bt) insect resistance Integrated pest management Precision, high-speed planters Auto-steer tractors ?

Potential impact of climate change on crop yields in 2050 relative to 2000 With full CO 2 fertilization Without CO 2 fertilization % change Which map “… will much depend on availability of additional inputs, especially N.” World Bank (Background note to the World Development Report 2010).

What is the role of fertilization?

Yield attributable to fertilizer Temperate soils: 40-60% Tropical soils: much higher Stewart et al., 2005.

Response to P & K fertilization in the cerrado of Brazil

Our biggest challenge: the permanent “greening” of this map Improved crop nutrition will play a major role in meeting that challenge % under- nourished

Underlying factors for the challenges of the coming decades Soil & nutrient management are common to all three Land use Soil quality Water use & quality Waste disposal Etc. Climate change Cheap energy Bioenergy Etc. Food quantity Food quality Food cost Carbon and land concept by Henry Janzen, 2009 A triangle of opportunity for those offering solutions or a target for those perceived as contributing to problems a target for those perceived as contributing to problems

A multitude of economic, environmental, and social issues involving crop nutrients Coastal hypoxia Climate change Biofuels Air quality Food quality Fresh water eutrophication Biodiversity in natural eco-systems Food supply and cost Conserving natural lands Fertilizer costs & security

4R Nutrient Stewardship Applying the Right Source at the Right Rate at the Right Time and in the Right Place within well managed cropping systems Right is defined by practice impact on system performance Cropping system

Sustainability Initiatives by major food retailers Channeling consumer interests

Net profit Resource use efficiencies: Energy, Labor, Nutrient, Water Return on investment Yield stability Water & air quality Farm income Working conditions Nutrient balance Nutrient loss Yield Quality Soil erosion Biodiversity Ecosystem services Affordable & accessible food Both productivity and resource efficiency must be improved Stakeholder input on performance indicators They have power - ballot box & the super market

Nitrogen use efficiency

The World of Crop Nutrition Biggest challenge food securityBiggest challenge: to contribute as much as possible to a permanent solution to food security – 50 to 70% more food by 2050 while increasing resource use efficiency – To minimize environmental impacts and support economic opportunity role of fertilizers substantialThe role of fertilizers in meeting that challenge will be substantial – Well over 50% of existing production is due to fertilizers and it will likely be greater in the future – Significant yield gains are needed and are possible in both developing, small holder systems and in advanced, large holder agriculture Site-specific BMPsSite-specific BMPs based on 4R Nutrient Stewardship are critical in meeting the challenge