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Plan for Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use by 2020 Approved 2016-04-15 Agricultural Inputs and Markets Magazine Departments (Commissions, Bureaus) of Agriculture (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Economy) in various provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and cities with separate planning status, as well as the Agriculture Bureau of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the Heilongjiang Provincial Reclamation Administration: In order to implement the guidelines set out at the Central Rural Work Conference, Document No. 1 issued by the Central Government, and the National Agricultural Work Conference, and to focus on the key objectives of stabilizing grain production, increasing incomes, adjusting the economic structure, improving quality and efficiency, and transforming development models, the Ministry of Agriculture has formulated the “Plan for Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use by 2020” and the “Plan for Zero Growth in Pesticide Use by 2020”. These plans are now circulated to you. Please tailor them to local conditions, intensify efforts, strengthen responsibility implementation, and advance work in an organized manner to ensure tangible results. Ministry of Agriculture, February 17, 2015 – Action Plan for Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use by 2020. Fertilizers are important agricultural inputs and can be regarded as the \"food\" for crops. Fertilizers play an irreplaceable role in promoting the development of food and agricultural production. However, at present there are issues such as excessive and indiscriminate use of fertilizers, which lead to increased costs and environmental pollution. It is therefore urgent to improve fertilization methods, enhance the efficiency of fertilizer use, reduce unnecessary expenditures, ensure a stable supply of key agricultural products such as food, and promote sustainable agricultural development. To this end, the Ministry of Agriculture has formulated the “Action Plan for Achieving Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use by 2020”. I. Current situation and circumstances (1) Current status of fertilizer application. Our country is a major producer and user of chemical fertilizers. According to **statistics bureau data, in 2013 the production volume of chemical fertilizers was 70.37 million tons (on a pure basis, the same applies hereafter), while the amount of agricultural chemical fertilizers used was 59.12 million tons. Experts analyze that the inherent fertility of arable land in our country is relatively low, and the use of chemical fertilizers contributes significantly to increased grain production, accounting for over 40% in general. Currently, there are four issues with the application of chemical fertilizers in our country: first, the amount applied per mu is relatively high. The average amount of chemical fertilizer used per mu of crops in our country is 21.9 kilograms, which is far higher than the world average of 8 kilograms per mu; it is 2.6 times that of the United States and 2.5 times that of the European Union. II. There is a prominent phenomenon of unbalanced fertilization. Fertilization rates are high in the economically developed areas of the east, the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and urban suburbs; excessive fertilization of high-value economic horticultural crops such as vegetables and fruit trees is quite common. Third, the utilization rate of organic fertilizer resources is low. Currently, the total nutrients contained in organic fertilizer resources in China amount to over 70 million tons, yet the actual utilization rate is less than 40%. Among them, the rate of returning nutrients from livestock and poultry manure to the soil is around 50%, while the rate for returning nutrients from crop straws to the soil is around 35%. IV. The fertilizer application structure is unbalanced. The problems of \"three emphases and three neglects\" are prominent: emphasizing chemical fertilizers over organic ones, emphasizing macroelement fertilizers over micronutrient and trace element fertilizers, and emphasizing nitrogen-based fertilizers over phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Traditional manual fertilization methods still dominate; the application of chemical fertilizers by scattering or on the surface is quite common, while mechanical fertilization is used only on about 30% of the areas planted with major crops. (II) The situation faced. The problem of unreasonable fertilizer application is related to factors such as the high pressure to increase grain production in China, low inherent fertility of arable land, high intensity of land use, and small scale of farmers’ operations. It is also associated with issues like fertilizer production and distribution not being aligned with agricultural needs, an unreasonable variety structure of fertilizers, outdated fertilization techniques, and inadequate fertilizer management systems. Excessive and indiscriminate fertilization not only increases agricultural production costs and wastes resources, but also leads to soil compaction and acidification. Implementing a policy of zero growth in fertilizer use is an important measure to promote the transformation of agriculture and the adjustment of its structure. It is also a practical necessity for reducing costs, improving efficiency, and cutting emissions. It holds great significance for ensuring food security, the quality safety of agricultural products, and agricultural ecological safety. (III) Feasibility of implementation. Based on experiences from other countries, in the EU, North America, Asia, and some developed countries in the Middle East, the amount of fertilizer used has first increased rapidly, reached a peak, and since then has shown a trend of steady decline or continued reduction. These regions have gradually embarked on a path of sustainable development that focuses on reducing fertilizer use while increasing efficiency and yield. In China, through the implementation of soil testing and formulated fertilization, the utilization rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers for the three major food crops have currently reached 33%, 24%, and 42% respectively, representing increases of 5, 12, and 10 percentage points compared to before the project was launched (in 2005). As fertilizer utilization efficiency increases, the growth rate of chemical fertilizer use shows a downward trend. In 2013, the national consumption of chemical fertilizers increased by 1.3%, which was 1.1 and 1.5 percentage points lower than in 2012 and 2005, respectively. If all measures for scientific fertilization are properly implemented, the quality of cultivated land will continue to improve, and fertilizer utilization efficiency will gradually rise. Consequently, the goal of achieving zero growth in chemical fertilizer use by 2020 can be realized. II. Overall Approach, Basic Principles, and Objectives (1) Overall Approach Aiming to ensure **food security and an adequate supply of key agricultural products, it is necessary to firmly adopt the concepts of \"increasing fertilizer use for higher yields, using fertilizers in an economical manner, and applying fertilizers in an environmentally friendly way.\" By relying on scientific and technological progress, as well as on new types of business entities and specialized agricultural service organizations, efforts should be made to implement these measures on a large scale and in a coordinated manner. This will help accelerate the transformation of fertilizer application practices, promote scientific fertilization, enhance the quality of arable land, increase the use of organic fertilizers, reduce unnecessary use of chemical fertilizers, and strengthen publicity, training, and management regarding fertilizer use. The goal is to pursue a path of high yield and efficiency, high quality and environmental protection, as well as sustainable development, thereby contributing to increased food production, higher incomes for farmers, and ecological environmental safety. (II) Basic Principles 1. To ensure production and improve efficiency while reducing costs. While reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, by changing the ways in which these fertilizers are utilized, their efficiency can be improved, thereby ensuring stable increases in grain production, sustained income growth for farmers, and sustainable development of agriculture. Second, it is to adapt measures to local conditions and proceed step by step. Based on the actual conditions of crop production and fertilizer requirements in different regions, classified guidance should be strengthened; specific goals for fertilizer management should be set at different stages, in different regions, and for different crops, so as to ensure the steady implementation of various measures. III. It is about taking all factors into account and implementing comprehensive measures. By taking into account production factors such as soil, fertilizer, water, and seeds, as well as farming systems, and in accordance with the requirements of integrating agricultural machinery with agronomic practices, administrative, economic, technical, legal and other measures are employed to effectively promote scientific fertilization. IV. It is **leadership with multi-party participation**. Adhere to the principle of leadership by the government, support from agricultural organizations, initiative on the part of enterprises, and participation from society; innovate in implementation methods, fully mobilize the enthusiasm of those involved in promotion, research, education, enterprises, and farmers, and establish a sustainable mechanism for joint efforts. (III) Objectives and tasks: By 2020, a scientific fertilization management and technology system will be initially established, leading to a significant improvement in the level of scientific fertilization. From 2015 to 2019, the annual growth rate of fertilizer use was gradually brought under 1% ； Strive to achieve zero growth in the use of chemical fertilizers for major crops by 2020. First, the fertilizer application structure is further optimized. By 2020, the nutrient structure, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and medium- and trace-elements, will be optimized, and organic fertilizer resources will be utilized effectively. The coverage rate of soil testing and formula fertilization technology exceeds 90% ； The rate of returning nutrients from livestock and poultry manure to the soil reached 60%, an increase of 10 percentage points ； The rate of returning nutrients from crop straws to the soil reached 60%, an increase of 25 percentage points. Second, the fertilization method has been further improved. By 2020, blind and excessive fertilization had been largely curbed, and traditional fertilization methods had been changed. Mechanical fertilization covers over 40% of the planted area of major crops, an increase of 10 percentage points ； The area covered by the integrated water and fertilizer management technology has increased to 150 million mu, an increase of 80 million mu. Third, the fertilizer utilization rate is steadily increasing. Since 2015, the fertilizer use efficiency for major crops has increased by more than 1 percentage point per year on average. The goal is to ensure that this efficiency reaches over 40% for major crops by 2020. III. Technical pathways and regional priorities (1) Technical pathways First, it is about precision – that is, promoting precise fertilization. Based on the soil conditions in different regions, the potential crop yields, and the requirements for integrated nutrient management, reasonable standards for fertilizer application rates per unit area should be established for each region and crop, in order to reduce indiscriminate fertilization. Second is adjustment, that is, adjusting the structure of fertilizer use. Optimize the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote the combination of major elements with medium and trace elements. To meet the needs of modern agricultural development, we should guide the optimization and upgrading of fertilizer products, and vigorously promote the use of efficient new types of fertilizers. Third, it is about making changes, that is, improving the method of fertilization. Vigorously promote soil testing-based fertilization to enhance farmers’ awareness and skills in scientific fertilization. Develop and promote appropriate fertilization equipment to replace surface application and broadcasting with methods such as mechanical deep application, integrated water and fertilizer application, and foliar spraying. IV. It refers to substitution, that is, the replacement of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers. By making rational use of organic nutrient resources and replacing part of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers, a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers can be achieved. Improve the inherent fertility of arable land by using its natural nutrients in place of external chemical fertilizers. (II) Regional focus: Northeast China. Fertilization principles: control nitrogen, reduce phosphorus, stabilize potassium, and supplement with trace element fertilizers such as zinc, boron, iron, and molybdenum. Main measures: Combine deep loosening and land preparation with conservation tillage, increase the amount of straw returned to the field, and apply more organic fertilizers ； Implement reasonable rotation of soybeans and corn in suitable areas, and promote the use of rhizobia for crops such as soybeans and peanuts ； Promote the technology of deep application of chemical fertilizers using machinery, and apply topdressing at the right time and in appropriate amounts ； In arid regions, high-efficiency slow-release fertilizers and integrated water-fertilizer management techniques are promoted for corn cultivation. The Huang-Huai-Hai region. Fertilization principles: reduce nitrogen, control phosphorus, stabilize potassium, and supplement medium and trace elements such as sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, and boron. Key measures: periodic deep plowing and loosening as well as conservation tillage; returning wheat and corn straws to the field; promoting the use of formulated fertilizers and increasing the application of organic fertilizers; promoting the simultaneous sowing of seeds and fertilizers for corn; using mechanical fertilization for cotton; paying attention to the integration of water and fertilizer management for wheat; and promoting the delayed application of nitrogen fertilizers as well as the “one spray, three protections” technique ； For vegetables and fruit trees, it is important to combine organic and inorganic fertilizers in order to effectively control the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers used ； In facility agriculture, straw and conditioners are used to improve saline-alkali soil, and the integrated water-fertilizer management technique is promoted ； Use amendments such as lime to improve acidified soil and develop green manure for orchards. The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Fertilization principles: reduce nitrogen, control phosphorus, stabilize potassium, and apply medium and trace elements such as sulfur, zinc, and boron in combination. Key measures: Promote the technique of returning straw to the fields, promote the use of formulated fertilizers and increase the application of organic fertilizers, revive and develop the use of green manure in winter fallow fields, and promote the use of green manure in fruit and tea plantations ； Use alkaline amendments such as calcium-magnesium phosphate fertilizer, lime, and silicalite to improve acidified soil, and adopt the integrated water-fertilizer management technique for the efficient and economical cultivation of horticultural crops. South China region. Fertilization principles: reduce nitrogen, maintain stable levels of phosphorus and potassium, and supplement with medium and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron. Key measures: Promote the technique of returning straw to the fields, promote the use of formulated fertilizers and increase the application of organic fertilizers; restore and develop the cultivation of green manure in winter-dormant fields in suitable areas ； Emphasis is placed on using alkaline conditioners such as calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, lime, and silicalite to improve acidified soil ； Emphasize the combination of fertilization techniques with simplified cultivation methods, and promote the integrated water and fertilizer management technique for high-efficiency and cost-effective horticultural crops. Southwestern region. Fertilization principles: stabilize nitrogen, adjust phosphorus, and supplement potassium, while also applying trace elements such as boron, molybdenum, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and calcium. Key measures: Promote the technique of returning straw to the fields, pay attention to the rational use of biogas slurry and livestock manure, and restore and develop the cultivation of green manures in winter fallow fields ； Promote the use of compound fertilizers and increase the application of organic fertilizers; pay attention to using alkaline amendments such as calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, lime, and silico-calcium to improve acidified soil. For high-efficiency economic crops and horticultural crops grown in mountainous areas, promote the use of integrated water and fertilizer management techniques. Northwestern region. Fertilization principles: Coordinate water and fertilizer resources; determine fertilizer application based on water availability and adjust water use according to fertilizer input. Maintain stable levels of nitrogen and phosphorus while regulating potassium content. Also, apply secondary and micronutrients such as zinc and boron. Key measures: Promote the use of high-efficiency slow-release fertilizers in conjunction with mulched planting; implement conservation tillage and straw returning to the field; promote the use of formulated fertilizers and increase the application of organic fertilizers ； Promote efficient water-saving irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation under plastic mulch and integrated water-fertilizer management for crops like cotton, fruit trees, and potatoes ； Combine engineering measures with the use of amendments such as gypsum to improve saline-alkali soils. IV. Key Tasks (1) Promote soil testing and formula fertilization. Based on summarizing experience, innovate implementation methods to accelerate the application of results, and advance soil-test-based fertilization on a larger scale and at a higher level. First, it is to expand the scope of implementation. While consolidating the foundational work and continuing to implement soil-test-based fertilization for food crops, efforts will be expanded to apply this approach in protected agriculture as well as in economic horticultural crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, and tea, thereby achieving near-full coverage of soil-test-based fertilization for major crops. Second, it is to strengthen the connection between agricultural enterprises. It is necessary to fully motivate enterprises to participate in soil testing and formula fertilization; select a group of enterprises with good reputations and strong capabilities to carry out in-depth cooperation, and promote the distribution of formula fertilizers to villages, households, and fields through four approaches: formulating fertilizers according to specific requirements, using ready-made medicinal products, preparing herbal medicines on demand, and providing personalized services similar to those of a private doctor. III. It is to innovate service mechanisms. Actively explore effective models for combining public welfare services with commercial services, as well as for purchasing such services; support the development of professional and social service organizations, and provide farmers with \"four unified\" services: unified testing, unified distribution, unified supply, and unified implementation. Innovate the mechanism for formulating and releasing fertilizer recipes, improve the expert consultation system for soil-test-based fertilization, and leverage modern information technology to promote this technique. (II) Promote the transformation of fertilization methods. Fully leverage the exemplary role of new types of agricultural operators such as large-scale grain growers, family farms, and professional cooperatives; strengthen technical training and advisory services; vigorously promote advanced and applicable technologies; and facilitate a shift in fertilization practices. 1. Promote mechanical fertilization. In line with the principles of integrating agriculture and agricultural machinery as well as coordinating the use of base fertilizers and topdressing, efforts should be accelerated to develop fertilization machinery. Techniques such as deep application of chemical fertilizers using machinery, mechanical topdressing, and simultaneous sowing of seeds and fertilizers should be adopted according to local conditions, in order to reduce nutrient volatilization and loss. Second, it is to promote the integration of water and fertilizer supply. In combination with efficient water-saving irrigation, techniques such as drip irrigation fertilization and sprinkler irrigation fertilization are demonstrated and promoted to facilitate the integrated use of water and fertilizer in agriculture, thereby improving the efficiency of their utilization. III. It is to promote the technology of timely fertilization. Reasonably determine the proportion of base fertilizer application, and promote the technique of applying fertilizer in stages according to local conditions, seedlings, water availability, and seasonal factors. Promote the techniques of foliar spraying on wheat and rice, as well as extracortical fertilization for fruit trees, according to local conditions. (III) Promote the application of new fertilizers and technologies. Based on the needs of agricultural production, it integrates efforts from research, teaching, extension services, and enterprises, increases investment in research and development, keeps track of international cutting-edge technologies, and carries out joint research efforts. First, it is to strengthen technology research and development. Establish a number of R&D platforms that integrate industry, academia, and research efforts, focusing on research into high-yield and efficient fertilization techniques for crops, as well as the development of new products and equipment that combine fast-acting and slow-acting nutrients, macro- and micronutrients, organic and inorganic substances, as well as different forms and functions of nutrients. Second, it is to accelerate the promotion of new products. Promote the use of efficient and innovative fertilizers such as slow-release fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, liquid fertilizers, foliar fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and soil conditioners, so as to continuously improve fertilizer utilization rates and drive the transformation and upgrading of the fertilizer industry. III. Integrate and promote efficient fertilizer application technical models. By integrating efforts to achieve high yields with research on green yield-increasing models, and in accordance with the soil nutrient status and the fertilizer requirements of crops, scientific fertilization guidelines are developed for different regions and crops. A range of high-yield, efficient, and environmentally friendly fertilization techniques are then integrated and promoted. (IV) Promote the utilization of organic fertilizer resources. In line with the development of modern agriculture and the characteristics of China’s agricultural management system, efforts should be made to explore effective models for utilizing organic nutrient resources, provide greater support, and encourage farmers to apply more organic fertilizers. First, it is to promote the resource utilization of organic fertilizers. It supports large-scale farming enterprises in using livestock and poultry manure to produce organic fertilizers, promotes the model of large-scale farming + biogas + centralized removal and application of fertilizers, and encourages farmers to produce farmyard manure as well as to use commercial organic fertilizers. II. Promote the return of straw nutrients to the soil. Promote technologies such as straw crushing and returning to the field, rapid decomposition and returning to the field, and returning after passage through livestock digestive systems. Develop multi-functional agricultural machinery capable of straw crushing, application of decomposers, soil plowing, and land leveling, so that straw can be both sourced from and utilized on the fields. III. Plant green manure according to local conditions. Make full use of the soil, fertilizer, water, light, and heat resources in idle winter fields and fruit/tea orchards in the south to promote the cultivation of green manure. In areas where conditions permit, guide farmers to apply rhizobium inoculants to promote nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops such as peanuts, soybeans, and alfalfa. (5) Improve the quality of arable land. Accelerate the construction of high-standard farmland, improve water conservancy supporting facilities, and enhance the basic conditions of arable land. Carry out actions to protect and improve the quality of arable land by improving soil conditions, enhancing soil fertility, controlling pollution and facilitating restoration, managing salinization, and transforming low- and medium-yield fields, thereby generally raising the overall fertility level of arable land. By 2020, we aim to raise the basic fertility level of arable land by at least 0.5 grades, increase the soil organic matter content by 0.2 percentage points, and effectively control issues such as soil acidification, salinization, and pollution. By strengthening the improvement of arable land quality, we can enhance the basic productivity of farmland, ensuring stable development of grain and agricultural production while reducing fertilizer inputs. V. Safeguard Measures (1) Strengthen organizational leadership. The Ministry of Agriculture has established a Coordination and Guidance Group for the Initiative on Achieving Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use, with senior ministry officials serving as group leaders. Responsible comrades from relevant departments, bureaus, and units within the ministry serve as members, while the Department of Crop Production Management is tasked with carrying out the specific work. Each province (autonomous region, municipality) has established a leading group for promotion and implementation, headed by the principal responsible official from the Department of Agriculture (Commission/Bureau), to strengthen coordination and guidance and ensure the implementation of various measures. (II) Promote through top-down and bottom-up coordination. In conjunction with the implementation of extended performance evaluations, a work mechanism featuring top-down coordination and multi-party collaboration should be established to strengthen accountability, consolidate efforts, and enhance supervision. Key implementation regions should establish cooperation mechanisms to exchange ideas and jointly promote progress. Fully leverage the technical and informational advantages of teaching and research institutions as well as industry associations, and encourage them to carry out activities such as technology promotion, policy dissemination, technical training, and service guidance. (III) Improve support policies. Strengthen communication and coordination with departments such as development and reform and finance; expand the scale of projects related to soil testing and formulated fertilization, as well as the protection and improvement of arable land quality; and support the promotion of technologies such as returning straw to the fields, planting green manure, increasing the application of organic fertilizers, integrated water and fertilizer management, and mechanical fertilization. Subsidies are provided for new types of business entities and moderately scaled operations, to help them access scientific fertilization services as well as the application of organic fertilizers, formulated fertilizers, and highly efficient slow-release fertilizers. Actively seek policies regarding finance, insurance, and taxation to support the implementation of initiatives aimed at achieving zero growth in fertilizer usage. (4) Strengthen technical support. The Ministry of Agriculture has established an expert guidance group for the initiative to achieve zero growth in fertilizer usage. The group proposes specific technical solutions and provides guidance services to ensure the implementation of all key technologies. Effectively implement the major special project on the research and development of comprehensive technologies for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Promote the establishment of a national fertilizer efficacy monitoring network, improve the statistical system for fertilizer use, and promptly and accurately obtain data on fertilizer use and its effectiveness evaluation. Local agricultural departments at all levels should also establish corresponding expert teams to provide technical guidance services in connection with the initiative to achieve zero growth in fertilizer usage. (5) Strengthen publicity and training. Carry out promotional activities under the theme of “Promoting Scientific Fertilization to Every Household”. Utilize media such as radio, television, newspapers, and the Internet to vigorously promote knowledge about scientific fertilization, enhance farmers’ awareness of using fertilizers scientifically, and foster a positive social atmosphere. In conjunction with the training program for new-type professional farmers and the initiative to enhance the capabilities of leading rural talents, efforts should be made to intensify training for new types of business entities, with a focus on improving the technical level of scientific fertilization among large-scale grain growers, family farms, and specialized cooperatives. (VI) Strengthen legal safeguards. Promptly formulate and enact the ‘Regulations on the Protection of Cultivated Land Quality’ and the ‘Regulations on Fertilizer Management’, and accelerate the establishment and improvement of various rules and regulations regarding the protection of cultivated land quality and fertilizer management. Strengthen the management of fertilizer use, regulate agricultural production processes, enhance supervision over the fertilizer market, crack down on counterfeit and substandard products, and effectively safeguard the interests of farmers.