Fertiliser sector looks to AI, biologicals and low-carbon nitrogen

After 98 years focused largely on improving established systems, the global fertiliser industry is opening up to start-ups, biologicals, artificial intelligence and next-generation nutrient technologies.

That is the view of Jack Keeys, the International Fertilizer Association’s first innovation lead. He said the creation of the IFA Innovation Hub reflected the sector’s recognition that it had fallen behind in pre-competitive innovation.

Keeys told Oliver Morrison of Agnavigator that the hub brings manufacturers, start-ups, researchers and technology developers together to address emissions, nutrient efficiency, climate resilience and food security.

He identified three key areas of innovation: nutrient production, application and release. Emerging low-carbon nitrogen technologies, including electrolysis and plasma-based nitrogen fixation, could reduce emissions while enabling more decentralised production.

In the field, satellites, drones, sensors, AI and computer vision are helping map soil and crop variability more precisely. This could improve the application of the “4Rs” — the right nutrient source, at the right rate, time and place — while reducing nutrient losses and improving farm profitability.

Controlled-release fertilisers, biodegradable coatings and biological additives are also gaining momentum. Keeys said biologicals should complement, rather than replace, conventional fertilisers, arguing that the greatest gains would come from combining more efficient production, targeted application and improved nutrient release.

Looking towards 2035, he predicted a fertiliser sector that is more digital, biological and sustainable, with AI advisory tools using real-time farm data and closer integration between biological and conventional crop nutrition products. He added that farmers were often more willing to innovate than they were given credit for, but needed affordable, evidence-based solutions and stronger incentives to adopt them.

SOURCE LINK: Agnavigator