Fertilisers

Fertilisers are essential components in modern agriculture, enabling farmers to optimise crop growth and yield.

These compounds provide plants with essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which are often deficient in soil. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food surges in parallel, putting tremendous pressure on agricultural systems. Fertilisers help bridge the gap between food demand and supply, ensuring that crops can achieve their full growth potential and produce higher yields to feed the world’s population.

Ammonia holds a pivotal position as a fundamental ingredient in the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers, which contribute significantly to global agricultural productivity.

Fertiliser production

The production of ammonia traditionally involves the Haber-Bosch process, a chemical reaction developed in the early 20th century. This process combines nitrogen and hydrogen gases under high temperature and pressure using iron-based catalysts, resulting in the synthesis of ammonia. The ammonia produced is then used as a raw material in the production of various fertilisers.

Green fertilisers

By transitioning to green fertilisers produced with renewable electricity, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and work towards a food system that is free from fertiliser-related emissions. This shift will strengthen our food system, making it more resilient and less dependent on fossil fuels, and bringing us closer to a nature-positive food future.

Switching to green fertilisers will reduce the carbon footprint of certain crops and will thus lower the environmental impact of the food we eat.

Ammonia’s significance in fertiliser production cannot be understated. It forms the foundation of nitrogen-based fertilisers, driving agricultural productivity and ensuring that the world’s growing population has access to an adequate food supply.

As we navigate the challenges of sustainable agricultural practices and resource management, ammonia remains a critical component in the quest to nourish the planet and secure the future of food.

In 2020, the world consumed approximately 183 million metric tons of ammonia-based fertilisers.