Crop nutrition is a complicated subject with many variables including soil health and the weather. Which is why a growing number of fertilizers producers and startups are turning to technology. Digital tools that improve fertilizer decision-making and application, climate-smart fertilizers with enhanced efficiency, as well as new products to improve soil and plant health, can all help farmers increase their yields and improve their nutrient use efficiency.

The first half of the 20th century witnessed major breakthroughs in fertilizer production. While these fertilizers have been crucial for feeding a fast-growing global population, the world is currently facing a new set of environmental challenges. Since the beginning of the 21st century the fertilizer industry has once again been focussing on innovation and embracing new technologies to successfully reduce its environmental footprint.

How can we sustainably grow enough food in a changing climate while radically reducing the use of precious resources such as water and minimizing nutrient losses to the environment? The answer may well be through fertigation: applying fertilizers dissolved in water through irrigation systems which allows plants to receive water and nutrients in precise amounts and locations at the same time.