Farmers in the world face an unprecedented challenge. Our global population is growing, and available farmland is decreasing. Climate change is altering weather patterns and bringing new pests and species into different climate zones. For farmers and others who are concerned with ensuring that there is enough food to meet the world's demands, there is a sense of urgency. How can farmers produce the food the world needs without sacrificing quality? Is it possible for the land to support higher demands? According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, between 20 to 40 percent of the world's crops suffer damage from pests and disease, and losses are significant. In addition, there are nearly 250 species of weeds that cause significant harm to food crops. To compound the problem, many weed seeds can lie dormant underground for up to 40 years. Why use pesticides?Farmers who spray their crops with pesticides are attempting to reduce the damage inflicted by pests. Pests can include any biological organism that destroys or damages a crop. Some pests consume the crop, others steal nutrients the crop needs to flourish, and still others damage the crop during storage or transport. These pests not only harm the plant; they also affect the quantity and quality of the yield, and therefore the price and availability of all the foods the crop is used to produce. Unlike the simpler, low-tech measures that a home gardener may undertake to protect their garden, defending thousands of acres of crops requires a coordinated, well-planned initiative and necessitates the use of commercial products. These are a few of the reasons that farmers have turned to agrochemical companies for help. Crop needs vary not just by the particular species, but also by geographic location, climate, soil, and moisture level, as well as by the crop’s stage of growth and overall health. Understanding the specific needs of each crop, its current and potential pests, and how those pests damage the crop allows the farmer to determine the exact pesticide that should be applied. Many people assume that pesticides are “one size fits all”—that farmers simply spray one general type of chemical on their crops, in any amount, but this is not accurate. Pesticide application is a precise science, and farmers use different chemicals for different specific purposes. In general, pesticides are grouped according to a classification by mode of action. The mode of action describes the specific mechanism by which the pesticide inhibits the pest. What would happen as a result of not using pesticides?Without the use of pesticides, farmers would struggle to protect their crops from pests, and they would be forced to use labor-intensive, expensive methods, such as frequent crop rotation, hand weeding, or mechanical methods. As a result, however, there could be significant reductions in the quantity and quality of crops. Farmers would be unable to manage large crop fields without massive increases in manpower, and consumers would have to accept produce with more blemishes. These changes would also result in an increase in production costs, which would be passed on to the consumer. Important information for consumersMany consumers are concerned about the use of agrochemicals. To alleviate these concerns and help improve public opinion of these products, more information is needed. By educating consumers, farmers allow them to understand the benefits of pesticides. Consumers should know that:
Do farmers need to protect themselves?Another concern consumers have regarding the use of pesticides is the effects of the products on the farmers and their workers. Today's products are technologically advanced compared to their predecessors. In contrast to the products used in the past, the pesticides being used by today's farmers are specifically designed for specific purposes. Farmers analyze soil conditions, crop rotation patterns, potential pest problems, and a variety of other factors to select the exact product they need. Application is done in a precise, controlled manner to eliminate cross-contamination and reduce run-off. Farmers are aware of the dangers of overuse of pesticides. They have become educated on the potential consequences (such as long-term soil damage) and are generally careful to provide staff training to ensure proper application. Staff training also ensures that farm workers are using best practices to protect themselves and others from inadvertent contamination that could lead to health problems. Pesticides provide farmers and consumers with an additional tool to effectively meet the demands of a growing population. Despite the concerns that many people have, these products make today's quantity, variety, and quality of food possible. Through continued research and the development of new, improved pesticides, our global food supply can remain intact. Since the advent of farming, growers have been engaged in a timeless battle with nature. Harsh weather conditions, pests, and disease decimate growing fields and reduce crop supplies. As a result, farmers are fighting to preserve their crops and livelihoods. An increasing global population has fueled the demand for food, putting farmers under more pressure to investigate methods to improve existing crop production and expand the capabilities of growing fields. As farmers work to meet global demand, there are more than food supplies at stake. Perhaps most alarming to some is the diminishing cocoa supply that threatens to affect chocolate production over the course of the next five to 10 years. A Look BackDeep in the Amazon, the birthplace of chocolate, farmers collect cocoa pods in much the same way as their ancestors did. Not much has changed in the fields among the cocoa plants. Cocoa farming is a labor-intensive process that involves the use of machetes and other dangerous tools to grow and harvest crops. In order to manage demand, a large numbers of workers is needed to harvest and produce the cocoa plants scattered across the countryside on small farms. Similarly, farmers on the other side of the world are producing cocoa in the same manner of their ancestors, although they are generally working on larger farms. Cocoa farming is a family affair, as well, with both young and old working alongside one another in the fields that their forefathers planted. Cocoa TodayGhana, the number-two cocoa producer in the world, is struggling to meet the demands of chocolate users. A higher demand for chocolate in China and India, where chocolate was once considered a luxury that only the wealthy could afford, has added to the need. With the emergence of new markets, there has been a sharp increase in the amount of chocolate needed, and costs have increased nearly 40% in the last five years. Government subsidies, which are designed to support and maintain cocoa growers, have changed. Instead of supplying farmers with fertilizer and seedlings, they paid higher subsidies and required farmers to purchase the needed supplies. However, the plan backfired. Farmers grew accustomed to higher payouts, but neglected to purchase fertilizer, so the crops suffered. Others simply decided that the effort to grow cocoa was too labor intensive and sold their fields to gold prospectors. While government officials have reverted the subsidy program back to the original plan, cocoa companies fear that it may be too late. A lack of rainfall threatens the crops, as well. The worst drought in over 30 years is wreaking havoc on the fields, coupled with dusty winds that have damaged cocoa pods. In addition, a new focus on child labor has provided protection for youth and has made provisions for young children to attend school rather than work in the fields. Despite the long-term benefits, the immediate result has been a dramatic reduction in the workforce. Locating younger farmers to replace aging cocoa growers has become increasingly difficult. Introducing Agro-chemicalsNext door to Ghana is the Ivory Coast, the number-one cocoa producer in the world. By adopting the new measures introduced by sustainability experts, the Ivory Coast has produced record-breaking back-to-back crops. This bumper crop, however, is not even half of the potential crop if all of the farmers adopted good agricultural practices. In 2014, 10 of the largest cocoa farmers agreed, in an unprecedented move, to share their private data related to crop yields and farming methods. Many believe that one of the most effective methods to reduce crop loss due to severe weather and to improve plant development is to encourage farmers to use fertilizer. Agro-chemicals, in the form of fertilizer can improve plant stability, maximize plant yields, and reduce the amount of farmland needed. In order to encourage farmers to utilize new growing techniques, including the use of fertilizer, chocolate companies are developing training programs for farmers. Some of these programs can last up to three months and teach farmers new business practices, as well as how to capitalize on the benefits of fertilizer. Introducing fertilizer to farmers allows them to produce more and reduce crop losses. The widespread acceptance of the use of fertilizer has been challenged by government officials in some countries that do not understand the positive impact of agro-chemical solutions. Additional training and protocols that make the acquisition of fertilizer affordable and efficient for farmers will increase the likelihood that they will use them. The Future Is BrightFarmers who produce cocoa plants are in high demand. Companies that depend on growing fields filled with cocoa plants are scrambling to secure what they need to meet demand. In order to assist with increased crop needs, scientists and analysts are teaching farmers new ways to farm in order to maximize crop production and yield a stronger and more efficient crop.
Cocoa production is big business. After a dramatic decline in cocoa commodities in 2011, prices have been climbing slowly. In 2015, there was a sharp increase in the price per ton of cocoa, which increased to nearly $3,500. Globally, over $1 billion is spent annually on projects to improve cocoa sustainability. However, with a two-year growth cycle for cocoa, farmers and companies must think both short- and long-term. By developing new farming techniques and adopting the use of fertilizer, cocoa production can continue to thrive around the world, both now and in the future. It’s inevitable - if there are plants, there are going to be pests. Farmers, home gardeners, commercial growers, and food suppliers worldwide struggle to deal with the pests that compete for humankind's food supply or are simply undesirable. As part of their efforts to rid growing areas of these pests, pesticides were developed. Pesticide is now used to refer to any number of devices, methods, or chemicals used to remove pests from plants and animals. To understand the reliance of growers on pesticides, it’s important to understand the development of both farming and pest removal. Early Forms of Pest RemovalSince the advent of agriculture, man has been locked in a perpetual battle against pests that invade crops and wreak havoc on food supplies. The earliest farmers dealt with the invasion of pests with natural methods. For example, some farmers would plant their crops during particular phases of the moon. Other farmers relied on crop rotation to reduce pest infiltration. By planting small amounts of varied crops, farmers were able to manage the number of pests. Ancient records suggest that farmers discovered naturally pest-resistant plants, and would grow those plants in abundance. Primitive methods also included picking pests off by hand, using scare tactics such as loud noises to chase away grasshoppers, or introducing natural predators to manage insect populations. Introduction of PesticidesWhile many believe that man-made pesticides are a recent development, the ancient Chinese were among the first to introduce the idea of applying chemicals to plants. In fact, farmers in the Middle East, Rome, and China were the originators of pesticide development. In ancient times, Chinese farmers crushed the flowers of the pyrethrum plant, Middle Eastern farmers used sulfur to control their pest problems, and Romans used crushed arsenic to keep their crops safe. These methods were effective, but labor intensive. As the size and scope of farms grew, farmers needed more reliable and manageable resources. It wasn’t until the 1840s that pesticides were used on a large scale. A fungus invaded Britain, and sulfur was successfully used to control the epidemic. Within thirty years, farmers were depending on mass-produced pesticides. For example, potato farmers in Colorado used paris green, a water-insoluble chemical that protected crops from the Colorado beetle. Tar oil, quassia and other types of pesticides were used in limited quantities until World War II. Research conducted during that time led to the development of DDT and other substances, beginning a science devoted solely to the production of pesticides and other aids for farming. Application of PesticidesEarly pesticide distribution was done manually, with farmers applying small quantities to specific zones or plants. The late 1800s introduced the large-scale application of pesticides through the use of giant machines. In the 1920s, airplanes were adopted as a means of covering large crop fields. By the 1950s, regulations were in place to ensure low-flying, well-controlled application. Today’s pesticides are applied in a variety of manners, ensuring limited environmental impact, concentrated applications, and maximum efficiency. As farms began producing larger crop yields and the demand for food supply increased, the demand for easier application of pesticides grew as well. Crop dusting, the application of large amounts of pesticide to large, flat growing fields via airplane, is still used in many parts of the world. Hand-held applicators, held by workers as they walk through fields, are used in smaller settings or where more precise spray coverage is needed. Large, tractor-like applicators can be driven through fields to spray areas between trees or tall crops. Integrated Pest ManagementIn the 1960s, the Integrated Pest Management process was developed to reduce dependence on chemical application and increase the effectiveness of pest removal. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the process of using multiple methods within a single farm.
IPM involves using chemical pesticides in addition to natural methods. These methods may include using bacterial, fungal, or viral insecticides as well as introducing natural predators and parasites. Many of the methods used are the same as those discovered by early farmers: crop rotation, using pest-resistant plants, and plowing at the most effective time are all still effective ways to manage pests and are still widely used today. Another component of the IPM process may be to introduce sexual-attractant traps, sterilized male insects, or insects that have been genetically engineered to remain juveniles into the fields. Global use of pesticides varies as countries begin to capitalize on the development of newer, more efficient man-made products and as they find the correct balance of IPM to manage their region’s pests. Man will continue to depend on farmers to supply the world’s foods, and farmers will continue to rely on pesticides to help maximize their crop yields. Scientific advances and developments will continue to increase effectiveness and reduce environmental impact as farmers and scientists work together to find sustainable solutions. As the world’s population increases, the demand for food will continue to grow, creating an increased need for pesticides and the benefits they bring to the farm. In the global marketplace, agro-chemical use and production has skyrocketed over the last several decades. Increasing demand for crops and food, in conjunction with declining farmland availability, has escalated the need for using agro-chemicals in the form of fertilizer and pest control. Balancing crops between supply and demand while maintaining costs and profitability are concerns that farmers must address as they look toward the future. While scientific advances have created safer, more effective forms of agro-chemicals, many farmers remain skeptical of their benefits. Education and training on the uses and benefits of agro-chemicals will not only improve crop health and production, but will impact the world’s food supply in a positive way. Understanding both the size and scope of how food is produced is imperative to understanding the rise of agro-chemical use, and will give indication of what the future holds for farmers. Global GrowthGlobal population growth is one of the largest driving forces behind the demand for increased crop production. India and China are home to nearly 3 billion people combined, with the United States coming in a distant third at just under 300 million. By 2050, it is estimated that the current world population will increase by 3 billion people, bringing the total population to approximately 10 billion. This boom in population will continue to increase the demand for food production and push farmers to produce larger quantities of food that can be shipped around the world. In the recent past, crop supply yield has increased 70 percent, thanks to the use of fertilizers by commercial farmers. However, cereal grain yields have stabilized and fisheries’ landings have declined in the last decade, an ominous sign for the future. With demands expected to increase nearly 50 percent for cereal grains, farmers are facing overwhelming need and must begin to take steps to prepare. The three components to meeting increased food demand are: increasing food production (yield per area), increasing farmland, and greater crop intensity. However, in the many parts of the world, there is a significant lack of available farmland, forcing these regions to rely on the food production efforts of others around the globe. This additional pressure on existing farmers increases the necessity of higher yield per area and greater crop intensity. As a result, farmers are turning to agro-chemicals to give their crops additional nutrients and protection in an effort to boost production. Industry ChallengesThe agro-chemical industry faces multiple challenges as the world braces for a population explosion. Balancing environmental concerns against improved scientific testing has left agro-chemical companies attempting to educate farmers on the benefits of their use. Crop production in India, for example, is suffering from a lack of awareness among farmers regarding the benefits of agro-chemicals. According to recent studies, only 25-30 percent of farmers are aware of agro-chemicals and their usage, indicating a large market need. Industry players face challenges in the management and distribution of products across the large geography of India. Trying to monitor costs while providing effective products has proven difficult. Many farmers are dubious of the use of fertilizers as a result of spurious pesticides and tainted bio-pesticides within the country. As farmers begin to adopt the use of agro-chemicals, suppliers must deal with a rapidly changing market due to the unpredictability of pest invasion, the changing seasonal demands, and the impact monsoons have on the growing season. Attempting to convince farmers grappling with the sustainability of their crops to use additional products may prove to be difficult in regions such as these. Imperatives for the Future Agro-chemical companies must find ways to appease demands for environmentally safe products while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness. Increased testing and evaluation of environmental impact will continue to prove efficacy, assuring farmers of the validity of their use. In addition, increased oversight in developing nations such as India will assist in further development of food production.
By simplifying the registration process for both importing and exporting agro-chemicals, nations currently not using these products will be able to introduce their use to farmers within their borders. Industry players and governmental agencies must combine their efforts to improve regulation within nations, eliminating the introduction of spurious products into the marketplace. In addition, improving supply chain management will affect distribution and use, providing farmers with the products they need, when they need them. The world depends on farmers to meet the demand for crops and food supply. As the population swells, farmers will be unable to meet demand using the same methods and tools of the past. By applying the scientific discoveries of the present to the methods of the past, farmers will be equipped to meet the demands of the future. As innovation and technology continue to improve agro-chemicals, further adoption of their usage will allow farmers to meet the growing food needs of the world. As a result of industrialization, a shift in attitudes, and increasing global demand for crops, farmers have turned to agrochemicals to improve and maintain our global food supply. Agrochemicals comprise a variety of products that can be classified into several types. Most people, however, are unaware of these classifications and typically refer to any product applied to plants or crops as “fertilizer.” This generalization often leads to misinformation about what products can and can’t do, and can lead to misuse when products are used for purposes they aren’t designed for. To eliminate confusion, here’s a quick look at the differences between three main types of agrochemicals and how they function to improve our food supply. HerbicidesOne of the toughest challenges a farmer (or gardener) faces is controlling weeds. Reducing the infiltration of weeds into a crop helps ensure that nutrients and water are being used by the wanted crop, not being diverted to help weeds grow. While a homeowner or small farm may be able to manage weed control by physically removing weeds from their crops or garden beds, this is not a viable solution for commercial farming operations. They rely on herbicides to halt weed development and growth. The development of precision herbicides over the last several decades has resulted in the ability to kill weeds without harming crops. This innovation is a result of specific targeting actions, known as “modes of action,” that describe the main ways herbicides work to kill or prevent weeds. These modes of action include preventing cell division, fueling uncontrolled growth to kill the weed, disrupting vital enzyme systems, and destroying cells and tissue within the weed. By selecting the mode of action that best targets the particular weeds encroaching on a crop, farmers can select the right herbicide for their needs. This, in turn, allows them to use fewer chemicals and less water, and have a lighter impact on the soil. InsecticidesSimilar to herbicides, insecticides are classified by the method they use to kill or prevent the reproduction of insects. They typically work via two modes: killing the insect outright or interfering with the insect behavior that destroys the plant. Insecticides may affect the nervous system of insects, either blocking or inhibiting enzymes that the insect needs to survive. Farmers typically administer insecticides to crops via contact, systematic, or residual applications. Contact applications are administered directly to the insect, killing it without affecting the surrounding plants. Little residue remains after the insecticide is applied and the insecticide works almost immediately. Systemic applications of insecticide are used for long-term pest control. The insecticide is applied and absorbed into the plant, and is passed to the insect when it feeds on the plant. Alternatively, some insecticides are eaten directly by the insect, killing them quickly. In either case, the insecticide works over the long term to control pest populations. Residual applications are used to control insect populations in specific locations. The residue remains on the surface of the plant for a duration of time, maintaining the effectiveness of the poison. FungicidesAnother major issue confronting farmers is fungus, which can cause devastating crop losses and harm the quality of the crop. Fungal diseases can be controlled by fungicides, which either kill the fungus causing the disease or inhibit the disease’s growth. To prevent the spread of disease in plants, however, fungicides must be applied before the disease occurs. Damage caused by fungus cannot be reversed or repaired, making the regular application of fungicide essential to maintaining crop protection. Unlike insecticides and herbicides, which are often applied after insects and weeds appear, fungicide is primarily used in the prevention of disease. Similar to other agrochemicals, however, fungicides are classified by modes of action and application. There are both contact and systemic fungicides which function in the same general manner as other agrochemicals. Contact fungicides remain on the plant, while systematic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and work from within. The application method should be selected based on the needs of the farmer and the crop, with careful attention paid to each fungicide’s mode of action. Fungicides typically work via three modes of action: they interfere with the fungus’ energy production or respiration, damage cell membranes, or inhibit important enzymes the fungus needs to grow. Agrochemicals are a billion-dollar industry that has revolutionized farming around the world. As the demand for crop production, stronger resistance to disease and insect infestation, and greater transportability continues to increase, the need for agrochemicals will grow as well. Understanding the various agrochemicals available allows farmers to use exactly what their crops need, while reducing the environmental impact. Overall, agrochemicals have allowed the world to produce more food more efficiently. Without the development of stronger, more effective agrochemicals, these gains in meeting the world’s demands would not be possible. Gardening, landscaping, lawn care—no matter what form of yard work you do, and no matter how large or small the scale, chances are you’ve been introduced to the idea of using fertilizer. Every garden center is filled with products touting their ability to provide you with bigger and better produce, a lusher and greener lawn, or fuller, more attractive shrubbery. Nature, it seems, needs a helping hand to succeed. Before you grab whatever bag of fertilizer is on sale, however, it helps to have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of fertilizer and why your plants respond so well to its use. What Is Fertilizer?At its most basic, fertilizer is plant food. Using a combination of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, fertilizer provides plants with what they need to grow. During its life, a plant absorbs nutrients from the soil and uses them to produce crops, flowers, or fuller plants. When the crops are harvested, the soil no longer has nutrients available for the next set of plants. Fertilizer helps replenish the nutrients used and prepares the soil to grow again. Particularly in commercial applications, the high-yield demand for crops does not allow the soil enough time to naturally replenish itself, thus creating the need for fertilizers. The elements used in fertilizer are found in nature. Potassium is abundant in the earth’s crust. Rain, erosion, and other natural processes filter it into the earth’s water supply. After evaporation, mineral deposits, including potassium, are left behind. The potassium used in fertilizer is harvested from these deposits. Nitrogen, part of the earth’s atmosphere, combines with natural gas into a form that can be processed by plants. Phosphorus is harvested from rock deposits that contain fossilized marine life. The harvested material is processed to form water-soluble compounds for plant use. Why Are There So Many Different Types?Fertilizer is labeled according to the percentage of nutrients it contains, with three numbers identifying the amount. Nutrients are always listed in the same order: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Therefore, a bag of 10-0- 5 contains 10 percent nitrogen, 0 percent phosphorus, and 5 percent potassium. Each nutrient has a different role in soil, and you should choose your fertilizer based on the needs of your particular plant and soil. Several multi-purpose fertilizers are designed to meet a broad range of needs and can be used at particular times of the year. Spring mixes, or starter mixes, contain extra phosphorus to stimulate root growth for new plants. Fall mixes are used to repair soil after summer damage and build stronger roots for the upcoming winter. To ensure that you buy the fertilizer your soil needs, it is helpful to have your soil tested—either by a professional or by using a soil testing kit (available at most garden centers). By understanding the unique needs of your soil, you can be confident that you are applying exactly what your plants need to grow. Soil testing also prevents over-fertilizing and is a more efficient way to manage fertilizer use. Why Do Your Plants Need It?Each element of fertilizer is used by plants for different functions. Nitrogen is used to boost growth and stimulate a dark, green color in plants. Phosphorus stimulates new growth in the roots and is used to feed seedlings. Potassium increases vigor and health while preventing disease and reducing stress. Each of these elements is instrumental to increased production at various points in your plant’s life cycle. When used correctly, fertilizer not only increases crop yield, but it provides environmental protections by providing healthy, green spaces that filter water supplies, provide oxygen, reduce water run-off, and give people a safe space to enjoy. By providing your plants with the right fertilizer, you are giving your plants exactly what they need to grow.
While the elements included in fertilizer are found in nature, it would be impossible for soil to be replenished after every harvest. Soil is replenished by the decay of plants and animal manure; however, it can take decades for the soil to be returned to its rightful state. Today’s agricultural climate does not allow for decade-long periods of rest between growing cycles, forcing farmers to produce more food in a smaller amount of land. Using fertilizer to boost soil is essential to maintain the current food supply. Modern fertilizers have come a long way from the broad-use fertilizers of the past. As farming practices have improved, soil testing, need-specific fertilizers, and precise applications have reduced environmental impacts and increased crop yield and results. Farmers today produce nearly three times the amount of crops on the same amount of fields as they did fifty years ago, thanks to the new advances in fertilizers. As farmers adopt the use of new fertilizers, plants are more equipped to withstand harsh weather and disease and are able to maintain soil moisture, preventing some of the food-related disasters of the past. Fertilizers are quickly becoming a plant’s best resource for success. As the world’s population booms, the demand for a sustainable food supply increases. Farmers are routinely being asked to produce more food, in less space, in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, food supplies need to be transportable and storable, while still retaining their nutrients and carrying a low cost. These increasing requirements have led to a partnership between farmers, chemists, and scientists as they search for solutions that will provide viable sources of food for the world. The Demand for MeatA combination of rising population and greater demand for meat have affected the amount of food available globally. Particularly in Asian countries, the demand for food has shifted from primarily vegetable and grains to include an increasing amount of meat. China, for example, has increased its meat consumption over 200% since the late 1990s. Around the globe, more individuals are eating meat, dairy and eggs, resulting in a rising number of livestock farms needed to meet the demand. The reality, however, is that while the demand is growing, the amount of available farmland is shrinking, forcing farmers to produce more livestock with less resources. The Demand for CropsThe increased global demand for meat has also translated into a higher demand for crops that are used as animal feed, particularly corn, sorghum, and oats. In the US, more than 90 million acres of land are dedicated to corn production. Finding methods to increase yields of these feed grain crops, without sacrificing quality, is one of the agriculture industry’s most difficult problems. Due to the need to transport feed crops over longer distances, they must be viable for longer periods of time, without losing any nutritional value. The Role of Agro-ChemicalsAgro-chemicals cover a broad spectrum of products, including pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives. These products are used in every aspect of food production, improving both the quality and quantity of food supplies and thereby benefiting populations all over the world. FertilizersStudies have shown that agro-chemicals, in the form of fertilizers, can affect crop yields by as much as 40 – 60%; this is a significant amount of food and animal feed that the world depends on to eat. These gains would not be possible without the addition of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium)—the three macronutrients in fertilizer—to crop fields. In the US Midwest, scientists are also finding that better farming techniques and genetic modifications have improved and increased yields without increasing the amount of nitrogen required. This is a significant development that few have realized. PesticidesProtecting food supplies from pests such as insects, rodents, and weeds increases yields and eliminates waste due to these intrusions. Proper use of these agro-chemicals saves money that would be lost due to crop loss. Preventing loss is an important use of agro-chemicals. Veterinary ProductsUsed by agricultural workers to assist in raising farm animals, these products are applied either topically or internally. Disease prevention, better health, and greater longevity are the results of agro-chemical use in animals. The Impact of Agro-ChemicalsWith the development of new, improved agro-chemicals, farmers have seen increases in the production of crops as well as animals raised for meat. The increased yields have allowed for greater gains in food supplies and a reduced impact on the environment. Further study into developing new agro-chemicals can give tomorrow’s farmers additional tools in their arsenals. Many farmers and casual observers wonder why manure is not an adequate form of fertilizer for crops. While it is an effective form of fertilizer in many instances, it simply cannot compete with agro-chemicals in meeting the growing food demands of the world’s population. Challenges for the Agro-Chemical IndustryThe continued development of new and improved varieties of agro-chemicals faces several challenges. Without widespread testing and trials, it is difficult to experiment with altered forms of agro-chemicals. Farmers and scientists can be reluctant to use un-tested chemicals on food supplies without understanding the broader, long-term effects on crops, soil, and humans. Testing can be cost-prohibitive and difficult, making wide-spread acceptance of new varieties challenging. Future agro-chemicals must balance environmental concerns over the long-term, while maintaining their effectiveness in preventing disease and pest infestations. The Future of Agro-ChemicalsToday’s farmers would not be equipped to handle the food demands of the world without the development of agro-chemicals. Despite the legitimate concerns posed by many, the fact remains that the world depends on agro-chemicals for a sustainable, consistent food supply. New developments to lessen the environmental impact of agro-chemicals and increase yields even further will help nations around the world feed their growing populations. In short, agro-chemicals are here to stay.
Walk into any garden center today and next to the plants, pots, and gardening tools is a long aisle filled with fertilizers, additives, and soil treatments. Contrary to what many people may believe, the use of fertilizers is not a new development. Fertilizer has a long history in agriculture, and has influenced and affected the world’s food supply ever since its discovery. The benefits are clear: fertilizers provide essential nutrients that are needed for healthy plant growth. To understand the impact of fertilizer on food supply, it is helpful to trace its usage from ancient times through the present day. Ancient HistoryThe earliest use of fertilizer dates back to the earliest days of agriculture. When humankind transitioned from nomadic societies to settlements based on farming, people began to search for ways to improve crop yields. Originally, it was assumed that the use of fertilizer was happenstance, but a recent study revealed that as far back as 8,000 years ago, farmers were using manure as fertilizer to aid in crop production. Evidence has emerged that shows the use of manure at 13 early farming locations across the UK and Europe, dating between 7,900 and 4,400 years ago. New testing procedures revealed high levels of nitrogen in the remains of cereals and grains from these sites, giving credence to the idea that the farmers systematically spread manure on planting fields. Originally, it was assumed that the use of fertilizer was happenstance, but a recent study revealed that as far back as 8,000 years ago, farmers were using manure as fertilizer to aid in crop production. Evidence has emerged that shows the use of manure at 13 early farming locations across the UK and Europe, dating between 7,900 and 4,400 years ago. New testing procedures revealed high levels of nitrogen in the remains of cereals and grains from these sites, giving credence to the idea that the farmers systematically spread manure on planting fields. The 19th CenturyGrowing processes remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, with farmers using organic substances to fertilize the soil. In the 19th century, however, scientists began studying fertilizers as a means of increasing crop yields to keep pace with growing populations. The Industrial Revolution was moreover causing a fundamental shift in Western society; more people were moving to cities and leaving their farms, leaving fewer farmers to produce more food. The demand for wheat, barley, and other staple crops was growing. In the 1800s, European explorers in South America began studying guano, or bird excrement, which local populations used as a fertilizer. What followed was the “guano boom”—over the course of the century, massive deposits of guano were harvested from Peru, islands in the Pacific, and elsewhere. Peru in particular exported about 12 million tons of guano to Europe and North America in just a few decades. So important was guano to agriculture that the US passed the 1856 Guano Islands Act, which declared that US citizens could occupy and take possession of any unclaimed island with guano deposits. Scientists tasked with finding new methods of crop improvement also began studying the effects of various types of manure on crops, which led to an understanding of the importance of certain nutrients in plant growth. German chemist Justus von Liebig, widely regarded as the “Father of Fertilizer,” began the modern fertilizer industry with his work detailing the impact of nutrients—particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—on plants in the mid-1800s. He argued that plant growth would be impeded by the lack of nutrients. As a result, he is often credited with starting the chemical fertilizer industry. Over the next 100 years, scientists would look for methods to produce individual nutrients, with varied results and successes. The 20th CenturyThe post-WW1 era saw an increase in scientists and manufacturers working to create more effective fertilizers. Scientists were largely accepted as knowledgeable about the use of chemicals, and farmers began to place value on field testing, individualized soil assessments, and the use of fertilizers. With further growth in the world’s population, farmers faced still higher demands for food, and the modern global economy began to take shape. Food began to be shipped to various ports around the world, increasing the demand for a sustainable crop supply. As a result, fertilizer use soared. Modern FertilizerToday’s fertilizers are a far cry from early chemical additives. While these first chemical mixtures were created with little concern for their environmental impact, modern fertilizers can be both environmentally safe and effective. Understanding the development of fertilizers can lead to a greater understanding of not only these products, but their importance to the world’s food supply. As the world’s population continues to increase and climate change brings new challenges to farmers, fertilizers continue to evolve to meet these demands. |