Global fertilizer perspective, 1960-95 : the dynamics of growth and structural change

This study examines how various factors, including the policy environment, have influenced global and regional fertilizer use and production during the last quarter of a century. These findings are then used to develop projections for (1) demand, supply, and prices through 1995 and (2) food security and fertilizer use through the year 2000 in the developing world. According to the report, slowed growth in fertilizer use during the 1980"s was heavily influenced by factors outside the fertilizer sector, most notably the low crop prices in North America, Western Europe, and Oceania; acreage reduction programs in North America; debt crises and foreign exchange shortages in Latin America; and unfavorable weather in Asia. The study indicates that many developing regions will require a higher than projected growth in fertilizer use to achieve significant improvements in the nutritional levels of their populations in the 1990"s. However, there is considerable potential for increasing fertilizer use in these regions by improving physical and institutional infrastructures and marketing systems and by adopting suitable policies and programs. Moreover, the opportunity exists for improving fertilizer use efficiency so that more crop output can be obtained from the same level of nutrient use.