Fertilizer Industry

The pages in this section of our web site provide background information on fertilizers and the fertilizer industry. They cover population growth and food production, environmental issues, the fertilizer market and logistics. 

You can start at the beginning and click the link at the end of each page to progress to the next, or click on the hyperlinks here to go to specific areas of interest.

Alternatively you can download a pdf version here.

Fertilizer Feeds The World

How can we feed the world and protect our environment? Fertilizers can be part of the solution, and part of the problem - management is the key.

Fertilizer Or Forests?

Sustainable intensification means we can feed the world whilst maintaining wonderful wilderness areas. If we can't manage this we will need more land for food production.

Sustainable Fertilizer Use

Each use situation is different so growers should employ a range of management practices to improve fertilizer use efficiency and reduce the risk of losses to the environment. 

Fertilizer Production

Ancient marine sediments, evaporated seas and the air we breathe; these are the sources of the major nutrient fertilizers.

The Global Fertilizer Market

Australia is a very small part of a large freely traded fertilizer market.

Population Growth

 

From 7 billion people to 9 billion people and a significant change in diets will mean increasing demand for food – and fertilizer to grow it.

Biofuels

 We don’t just grow food – crops are also used to produce fuel, adding to the future production task.

Grain Prices

As a surrogate for food prices, grain prices tell an interesting story about the prices farmers receive and how much their inputs cost.

Global Fertilizer Prices

 Supply and demand are clearly driving international prices – with occasional help from some policy makers.

 

Sea Freight and Exchange Rates

 

Some of the key factors affecting Australian prices are sea freight and the exchange rate.

 

Economic Value of the Australian Fertilizer Industry

 

Direct value to agricultural production of $12B, and 170,000 jobs – more than $40B and 300,000 jobs across the economy.

 

Australian Fertilizer Market

 

Five million tonnes of fertilizer, one million tonnes of nitrogen, 400,000 tonnes of phosphorus and 170,000 tonnes of potassium.
Detailed Statistics (members only).

 

Use Trends

 

Steady growth in agricultural productivity with new varieties and better management techniques is matched by steady increase in the demand for nutrients.

 

Logistics and Seasons

 

Growers need fertilizer at the right time of year, getting the right product t the right place at the right time is a logistical challenge.

 

Supply Sources

 

Australia produces, imports and exports fertilizer. It is a vital ingredient in advanced farming.

 

Lead Times

 

With fertilizer producers scheduling orders months ahead, with transit times of up to eight weeks, and demand dependent on rainfall… what could go wrong?

 

Regulations

 

The import and sale of fertilizers are subject to specific regulations. Many fertilizer products or operations are also covered by more general regulation such as those for dangerous goods, poisons, environment, and occupational health and safety.

 

Standard Contract

 

Increasing volatility in agricultural commodity and fertilizer prices in recent years has highlighted the importance of forward contracts in managing price and supply risk.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fertilizer Industry

 

When fertilizer prices fluctuate, it raises questions in many peoples minds about what is going on, here are some answers.

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