Farmers' dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers: risks and prospects of biofertilizers

Traditional nitrogen fertilizer production is based on the industrial Haber-Bosch process, which requires significant volumes of natural gas, primarily methane. It is used both as a hydrogen source for ammonia synthesis and as an energy carrier for plant operations. This technological dependence makes product costs extremely sensitive to fluctuations in global energy markets. Geopolitical conflicts, including events in Ukraine and the US-Iran standoff, trigger sharp increases in fertilizer prices, leaving farmers with the difficult choice between reduced yield due to nitrogen deficiency and higher production costs.

For Australian agricultural producers, who import up to 4 million tons of fertilizer annually, these market risks are particularly significant. Rising production costs inevitably affect the final price of food across the supply chain—from grain to dairy products. Furthermore, the Haber-Bosch process is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, generating up to 500 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, which accounts for about 2% of global anthropogenic emissions.

An alternative solution could be organic and biological fertilizers obtained through composting or anaerobic decomposition of plant and animal residues. Some products contain beneficial microorganisms that colonize the root system or soil, contributing to more efficient nutrient uptake. However, bio-fertilizers have a number of practical limitations: a lower nitrogen concentration, which requires the application of larger volumes, and the dependence of effectiveness on conditions such as humidity, temperature, soil type, and crop. The unpredictability of results compared to synthetic analogs hinders their mass application.

Transitioning to more sustainable food production methods requires independent research and long-term field trials. Science-based recommendations for application rates and timing, as well as the creation of tools for assessing the effectiveness of specific biological products under different climatic conditions, must become a priority for the agronomic industry. This is essential for protecting the interests of both farmers and consumers, as well as for reducing negative environmental impacts.