Fertilizer Production

Fertilizers play a crucial role in modern society by significantly boosting crop yields and ensuring food security for the growing global population. They provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth and development. However, the production of these fertilizers is heavily reliant on fossil resources, particularly natural gas, which is used to synthesize ammonia through the Haber-Bosch process. This dependency on fossil fuels not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also raises concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact of fertilizer production. Balancing the benefits of fertilizers with the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption is a key challenge for the industry, driving research into more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.

Chart of ammonia production and distribution to fertilizers in Mt-N/year based on figures from the U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024