Efficiency, economics, and environmental implications of phosphorus resource use and the fertilizer industry in China

• DOI: 10.1007/s10705-007-9126-2
• Publication Date: 2007-09-01T03:22:54Z
• Authors: Weifeng Zhang; Wenqi Ma; Yuexiu Ji; Mingsheng Fan; Oene Oenema; Fusuo Zhang
• Keywords: Renewable resource

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crop production and often in short supply. The necessary P fertilizers are derived from deposits the lithosphere, which limited size nonrenewable. China one of world's largest consumers producers fertilizers. Thus, resource use efficiency has important impact on worldwide use. This study examined fertilizer industry terms efficiency, economics, environmental risk, explored options improvement through scenario analysis. decreased a mean 71% before 1995 to 39% 2003, i.e., every 10 kg rock material, only 3.9 was used produce fertilizer, 5.6 residues were discarded at mining site, 0.5 manufacturing waste. caused by increased activities, especially small, inefficient miners. Enhanced supported local governments growing industry, where high-analysis have fourfold higher gross margins than traditional low-analysis Although contributing significantly development some regions, economic still lower other countries, e.g., USA. depleting quickly, consequences serious. amount accumulated phosphor gypsum estimated be 110 Tg, deteriorated land reached 475 km2, consumption ground water 1.8 billion m3 per year. low serious risk could attributed numerous small miners, intervention governmental subsidies taxes after 1995. proved that there great deal room up 77% integrated measures, need broad cooperation plants, agriculture.