The story of phosphorus: Global food security and food for thought
01 May 2009-Global Environmental Change-human and Policy Dimensions (Elsevier)-Vol. 19, Iss: 2, pp 292-305
TL;DR: In this article, the authors put forward the case for including long-term phosphorus scarcity on the priority agenda for global food security, and presented opportunities for recovering phosphorus and reducing demand together with institutional challenges.
Abstract: Food production requires application of fertilizers containing phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium on agricultural fields in order to sustain crop yields. However modern agriculture is dependent on phosphorus derived from phosphate rock, which is a non-renewable resource and current global reserves may be depleted in 50–100 years. While phosphorus demand is projected to increase, the expected global peak in phosphorus production is predicted to occur around 2030. The exact timing of peak phosphorus production might be disputed, however it is widely acknowledged within the fertilizer industry that the quality of remaining phosphate rock is decreasing and production costs are increasing. Yet future access to phosphorus receives little or no international attention. This paper puts forward the case for including long-term phosphorus scarcity on the priority agenda for global food security. Opportunities for recovering phosphorus and reducing demand are also addressed together with institutional challenges.
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TL;DR: It is shown that tremendous progress could be made by halting agricultural expansion, closing ‘yield gaps’ on underperforming lands, increasing cropping efficiency, shifting diets and reducing waste, which could double food production while greatly reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture.
Abstract: Increasing population and consumption are placing unprecedented demands on agriculture and natural resources. Today, approximately a billion people are chronically malnourished while our agricultural systems are concurrently degrading land, water, biodiversity and climate on a global scale. To meet the world's future food security and sustainability needs, food production must grow substantially while, at the same time, agriculture's environmental footprint must shrink dramatically. Here we analyse solutions to this dilemma, showing that tremendous progress could be made by halting agricultural expansion, closing 'yield gaps' on underperforming lands, increasing cropping efficiency, shifting diets and reducing waste. Together, these strategies could double food production while greatly reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture.
5,954 citations
Harvard University1, Stockholm Resilience Centre2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research3, University of Oxford4, City University London5, Chatham House6, World Wide Fund for Nature7, Environmental Change Institute8, University of Minnesota9, University of California, Santa Barbara10, CGIAR11, Johns Hopkins University12, American University of Beirut13, Wageningen University and Research Centre14, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation15, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur16, ETH Zurich17, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation18, University of Indonesia19, World Health Organization20, Food and Agriculture Organization21, International Food Policy Research Institute22, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences23, University of Auckland24, Public Health Foundation of India25, Centre for Science and Environment26
TL;DR: Food in the Anthropocene : the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems focuses on meat, fish, vegetables and fruit as sources of protein.
4,710 citations
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton1, Stanford University2, Bar-Ilan University3, Centre national de la recherche scientifique4, University of Tasmania5, University of Otago6, McGill University7, University of Essex8, Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University9, ETH Zurich10, University of East Anglia11, University of Exeter12, Cornell University13, University of Vigo14, University of Pennsylvania15, University of California, Irvine16, Nagoya University17, Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences18, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution19, University of Bergen20, University of Tokyo21, University of Concepción22
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reveal two broad regimes of phytoplankton nutrient limitation in the modern upper ocean: Nitrogen availability tends to limit productivity throughout much of the surface low-latitude ocean, where the supply of nutrients from the subsurface is relatively slow.
Abstract: Microbial activity is a fundamental component of oceanic nutrient cycles. Photosynthetic microbes, collectively termed phytoplankton, are responsible for the vast majority of primary production in marine waters. The availability of nutrients in the upper ocean frequently limits the activity and abundance of these organisms. Experimental data have revealed two broad regimes of phytoplankton nutrient limitation in the modern upper ocean. Nitrogen availability tends to limit productivity throughout much of the surface low-latitude ocean, where the supply of nutrients from the subsurface is relatively slow. In contrast, iron often limits productivity where subsurface nutrient supply is enhanced, including within the main oceanic upwelling regions of the Southern Ocean and the eastern equatorial Pacific. Phosphorus, vitamins and micronutrients other than iron may also (co-)limit marine phytoplankton. The spatial patterns and importance of co-limitation, however, remain unclear. Variability in the stoichiometries of nutrient supply and biological demand are key determinants of oceanic nutrient limitation. Deciphering the mechanisms that underpin this variability, and the consequences for marine microbes, will be a challenge. But such knowledge will be crucial for accurately predicting the consequences of ongoing anthropogenic perturbations to oceanic nutrient biogeochemistry.
1,516 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Anthropocene epoch has been formally recognized as a new epoch in Earth history, arguing that the advent of the Industrial Revolution around 1800 provides a logical start date for the new epoch.
Abstract: The human imprint on the global environment has now become so large and active that it rivals some of the great forces of Nature in its impact on the functioning of the Earth system. Although global-scale human influence on the environment has been recognized since the 1800s, the term Anthropocene, introduced about a decade ago, has only recently become widely, but informally, used in the global change research community. However, the term has yet to be accepted formally as a new geological epoch or era in Earth history. In this paper, we put forward the case for formally recognizing the Anthropocene as a new epoch in Earth history, arguing that the advent of the Industrial Revolution around 1800 provides a logical start date for the new epoch. We then explore recent trends in the evolution of the Anthropocene as humanity proceeds into the twenty-first century, focusing on the profound changes to our relationship with the rest of the living world and on early attempts and proposals for managing our relationship with the large geophysical cycles that drive the Earth's climate system.
1,484 citations
TL;DR: Historical patterns of agricultural nitrogen-use efficiency are examined and a broad range of national approaches to agricultural development and related pollution are found, to meet the 2050 global food demand projected by the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Abstract: Improvements in nitrogen use efficiency in crop production are critical for addressing the triple challenges of food security, environmental degradation and climate change. Such improvements are conditional not only on technological innovation, but also on socio-economic factors that are at present poorly understood. Here we examine historical patterns of agricultural nitrogen-use efficiency and find a broad range of national approaches to agricultural development and related pollution. We analyse examples of nitrogen use and propose targets, by geographic region and crop type, to meet the 2050 global food demand projected by the Food and Agriculture Organization while also meeting the Sustainable Development Goals pertaining to agriculture recently adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, we discuss socio-economic policies and technological innovations that may help achieve them.
1,439 citations
References
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01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the differential impacts that the world food crisis of 2006-2008 had on different countries, with the poorest being most affected, and present policy options to reduce volatility in a cost-effective manner and to manage it when it cannot be avoided.
Abstract: This report highlights the differential impacts that the world food crisis of 2006-2008 had on different countries, with the poorest being most affected.
This year’s report focuses on the costs of food price volatility, as well as the dangers and opportunities presented by high food prices. Climate change and an increased frequency of weather shocks, increased linkages between energy and agricultural markets due to growing demand for biofuels, and increased financialization of food and agricultural commodities all suggest that price volatility is here to stay. The report describes the effects of price volatility on food security and presents policy options to reduce volatility in a cost-effective manner and to manage it when it cannot be avoided.
3,644 citations
Book•
16 Oct 2003TL;DR: The first-ever book on this subject establishes a rigid, transparent and useful methodology for investigating the material metabolism of anthropogenic systems using Material Flow Analysis.
Abstract: The first-ever book on this subject establishes a rigid, transparent and useful methodology for investigating the material metabolism of anthropogenic systems. Using Material Flow Analysis (MFA), the main sources, flows, stocks, and emissions of man-made and natural materials can be determined. By demonstrating the application of MFA, this book reveals how resources can be conserved and the environment protected within complex systems. The fourteen case studies presented exemplify the potential for MFA to contribute to sustainable materials management. Exercises throughout the book deepen comprehension and expertise. The authors have had success in applying MFA to various fields, and now promote the use of MFA so that future engineers and planners have a common method for solving resource-oriented problems.
1,142 citations
"The story of phosphorus: Global foo..." refers background in this paper
...places to intervene in a system to increase its efficiency, or reduce wastage andpollution(Brunner and Rechberge, 2004)....
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TL;DR: In this article, the global mobilization of the element, a part of the grand geotectonic denudation-uplift cycle, is slow and low solubility of phosphates and their rapid transformation to insoluble forms make the element commonly the growth-limiting nutrient, particularly in aquatic ecosystems.
Abstract: ▪ Abstract Phosphorus has a number of indispensable biochemical roles, but it does not have a rapid global cycle akin to the circulations of C or N. Natural mobilization of the element, a part of the grand geotectonic denudation-uplift cycle, is slow, and low solubility of phosphates and their rapid transformation to insoluble forms make the element commonly the growth-limiting nutrient, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Human activities have intensified releases of P. By the year 2000 the global mobilization of the nutrient has roughly tripled compared to its natural flows: Increased soil erosion and runoff from fields, recycling of crop residues and manures, discharges of urban and industrial wastes, and above all, applications of inorganic fertilizers (15 million tonnes P/year) are the major causes of this increase. Global food production is now highly dependent on the continuing use of phosphates, which account for 50–60% of all P supply; although crops use the nutrient with relatively high efficien...
1,122 citations
"The story of phosphorus: Global foo..." refers background in this paper
...Calculations based on Smil (2000a, 2002) suggest the total phosphorus content in annual global agricultural harvests is approximately 12 MT P, of which 7 MT P is processed for feed and food and fibre, while 40% of the remaining 5 MT P of crop residues is returned to the land.5 Studies on…...
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...To keep up with increased food demand due to rapid population growth in the 20th century, guano and later rock phosphate were applied extensively to food crops (Brink, 1977; Smil, 2000b)....
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...Existing rock phosphate reserves could be exhausted in the next 50–100 years (Steen, 1998; Smil, 2000b; Gunther, 2005)....
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...The fertilizer industry recognises that the quality of reserves is declining and the cost of extraction, processing and shipping is increasing (Runge-Metzger, 1995; Driver, 1998; Smil, 2000b; EcoSanRes, 2003)....
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...The mining of guano (bird droppings deposited over previous millennia) and phosphate-rich rock had begun (Brink, 1977; Smil, 2000b)....
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01 Jan 2006
TL;DR: In 2006, the World Health Organization published its new guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater in agriculture and aquaculture as mentioned in this paper, which offer a safety framework and minimum requirements.
Abstract: In 2006 the World Health Organization published its new Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater. Together the Guidelines offer a safety framework, and minimum requirements for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater in agriculture and aquaculture. Anyone interested in safe wastewater management will benefit from getting acquainted with the guidelines. The first volume Policy and regulatory aspects deals with policies and regulations regarding safe water management. It is primarily meant for persons in policy-making positions, as well as for controlling officials. Aside from offering guidelines for example on how to formulate, harmonize and mainstream policies in effect, it also gives an introduction to Volumes 2, 3, and 4 of the Guidelines, by means of executive summaries. In the end of Volume 1 index and a glossary of terms for all the volumes (1-4) can be found. Volume 2 of the Guidelines Wastewater use in agriculture focuses on the health impacts that wastewater use in agriculture has, for instance, on consumers and those who work in this field. The main focus of this volume is thus on safety maximization (such as food safety) when it comes to wastewater use in agriculture. The second volume of the Guidelines is primarily meant for use when developing national and international methods for safe water management. Volume 3 of the GuidelinesWastewater and excreta use in aquaculture also centers on the safety matters, the risks and the benefits this time especially related to wastewater and excreta use. The focus of this volume is specifically on aquaculture. Similarly to Volumes 2 and 3, Volume 4 Excreta and greywater use in agriculture also focuses on the safety matters; however, the center of attention is on agriculture, with a specific view on excreta and greywater use.
825 citations
TL;DR: A mass balance was conducted at full scale across the whole sewage treatment plant in order to identify a stream to conduct bench-scale struvite crystallisation studies, and the most suitable stream was identified as the centrifuge liquors.
466 citations