Research, production and use of stabilized fertilizers in China: pathways for green transition and sustainable development strategies
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Stabilized fertilizers, enhanced with urease or nitrification inhibitors, have emerged as pivotal tools for China’s agricultural green transition, balancing crop productivity, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Globally, Germany and other EU countries have pioneered inhibitor-integrated fertilizer policies, driving emission reductions. Despite China’s later start, breakthroughs in local production, diversified formulations (covering six major fertilizer categories) and standardized systems have positioned it as a global leader, with 90% of the raw material capacity and 3 Mt annual output (4% of the total fertilizer production). Meta-analysis of over 900 trials (2014–2018) demonstrates stabilized fertilizers increase yields by 9.2%, nitrogen use efficiency by 11.2% and lower N2O emissions by 28.4% in staple crops. Field studies further reveal multifunctional benefits including 60% higher nitrogen efficiency, 60% emission cuts, 20%–50% fertilizer savings and enhanced climate resilience. To maximize impact, advancing technology innovation, refining application protocols and fostering cross-sector collaboration are critical. This paper provides strategic insights to accelerate China’s sustainable agriculture transition and global climate goals.
Authors: Rui LIU, Weifeng ZHANG, Tikun GUAN, Dongjia LI, Zhiping DUAN, Zixin ZENG, Jiawei LI, Kaitong WANG, Sen DU, Yang XU, Li GAO, Jiahuan LIU, Yong CHEN, Bing SHEN, Li CHEN, Yingxiang SUN, Minghua ZHOU, Jianhao SUN, Shengdong LI, Youliang YE, Mingshan QU, Xinxin YE, Yanfeng WANG, Yuexiu JI, Ruijie LIU, Xinping CHEN, Fusuo ZHANG
Institutions: China Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (China), China National Chemical Information Centre (China), Sinochem Group (China), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Anhui Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411353333