3.2 Fertilizers

Stop overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers and develop cleaner alternatives to cut emissions in half by 2050.

↓ 0.5 Gt of reductions
2022
65.4 kg per hectare
fertilizers used over croplands
2050
33 kg per hectare
fertilizers used over croplands

How Is KR 3.2 Tracking?

Our Fertilizers KR calls for an end to the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, the source of more than 1.5 gigatons of emissions, and to replace them with greener alternatives. China, India, and Brazil are among the nations most reliant on high-emissions fertilizers. In general, African farmers use the least per acre.

With new delivery methods and precision techniques for optimal timing and placement, farmers can cut emissions of planet-punishing nitrous oxide with no harm to yields. 

In addition, we need to invent ways to produce fertilizers without using fossil fuels. Together, these actions could cut carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions in half.

Failing

The world uses 65.4 kilograms per hectare of nitrogen-based fertilizers

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization and Our World in Data, 2024

News for Fertilizers
Resources for Fertilizers

Explore more Key Results