Agriculture without phosphorus: a (mission) impossible?

It is often said that phosphorus is life. This element is one of the most critical resources in the entire food production chain – from fertilization to the processed food industry. Currently, almost all global demand for phosphorus-containing industrial products is met using mined phosphorus, whose natural resources are rapidly depleting. A staggering 90% of the world’s mined phosphorus is used in the agricultural industry for producing fertilizers and animal feed. Europe has only one phosphate rock mine (in Finland), which meets just 10% of the European Union's needs. Most of the world's phosphorus is extracted in Morocco, China, the United States, and Russia.

The cost of phosphorus fertilizers is currently at record highs, increasing farming expenses. Moreover, up to 80–90% of phosphorus used in agriculture does not reach plants and is lost through runoff and erosion, polluting the environment. Phosphorus in the soil often exists in insoluble forms, making it difficult for plants to access.

Scientists are seeking ways to use phosphorus more efficiently in agriculture and reduce its demand. One of the most promising solutions is the use of specialized microorganism products.

Microorganisms come to the rescue

Research shows that certain strains of bacteria can dissolve insoluble phosphorus compounds in the soil, making them available to plants. Additionally, these microorganisms can bind phosphorus within their biomass, reducing usage losses.

One such solution is the microorganism products developed and tested by the company Nando in collaboration with Lithuanian scientists. The benefits of these microorganism complexes have been proven through both laboratory tests and field trials.

Field studies conducted over three years under real conditions in Lithuania demonstrated that using Nando’s bioproduct reduced phosphorus fertilizer needs by up to 50%, increased barley grain yields by more than 17%, raised soil humus levels, and reduced soil erosion.

What conclusions can we draw?

Phosphorus resources are rapidly depleting, and geopolitical tensions impacting its supply further exacerbate its availability. As a result, phosphate prices in raw material markets remain high.

Phosphorus tends to form insoluble compounds, limiting its availability to plants. Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms can partially dissolve these compounds, making phosphorus more accessible to plants.

Completely avoiding phosphorus use in agriculture is nearly impossible. However, by implementing certain strategies, its use can be reduced while simultaneously mitigating environmental impact.

Among these strategies are:

• Using microorganism complexes alongside phosphorus fertilizers.

• Adopting precision fertilization technologies, such as agro-drones.