Nine years of continuous decline! Reducing fertilizer usage, increasing efficiency, and accelerating speed, new types of fertilizers are becoming new choices for farming

In recent years, the agricultural inputs market has undergone profound changes. Data shows that the total amount of agricultural fertilizers used in China has maintained a downward trend for 8 consecutive years. China's agricultural production is transitioning from an extensive management model of "high input, high output" to a refined model of "green, efficient, and improved quality and efficiency". New fertilizer products such as water-soluble fertilizers, bio Organic Fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizers, and microbial agents are emerging one after another, quickly occupying the shelves.
However, facing the dazzling array of fertilizer products, farmers are generally confused: what is the essential difference between these new fertilizers and traditional fertilizers? What products are encouraged by the national "weight loss and efficiency enhancement" policy? How to choose scientifically?

1、 What is a new type of fertilizer
New fertilizers are not a simple marketing concept, but a category with clear scientific connotations. Compared to traditional fertilizers such as urea, superphosphate, potassium chloride and other single element fertilizers or low concentration compound fertilizers, new fertilizers refer to a type of fertilizer product that has significant innovations in raw materials, processes, forms or functions, can improve fertilizer utilization efficiency, improve soil environment, and enhance crop stress resistance.
Compared with traditional fertilizers, new fertilizers usually have the following three significant characteristics:
Firstly, nutrient efficiency. By using encapsulation technology, adding inhibitors, or changing nutrient forms, the nutrient release rate can be matched with the crop absorption pattern to reduce nutrient loss. For example, the nitrogen utilization rate of controlled-release fertilizers can reach 50% -60%, while the seasonal utilization rate of traditional urea is only 30% -35%. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the fertilizer utilization rate of China's three major grain crops, wheat, corn, and rice, has reached 43.3% by 2025. The application of new fertilizers is continuously improving fertilizer utilization efficiency.
Secondly, it has diversified functions. Not only does it provide nutrients, but it also has functions such as improving soil, regulating growth, and enhancing stress resistance. Microbial agents can activate soil fixed phosphorus and potassium, while alginate fertilizers can induce crops to produce stress resistant proteins.
Thirdly, environmentally friendly. The selection of raw materials and production processes pay more attention to ecological safety, such as using food grade raw materials, biodegradable coating materials, etc., to reduce non-point source pollution to soil and water bodies.
The rise of new fertilizers is rooted in the deep transformation of China's agricultural development. On the one hand, the continuous rise in labor costs has forced an increase in demand for labor-saving and labor-saving products, making controlled-release fertilizers that only need to be applied once a season highly favored; On the other hand, with the upgrading of agricultural product consumption, the market has put forward higher requirements for taste, appearance, and storage resistance, prompting the planting end to seek functional fertilizers that can improve quality.
It can be understood as follows: traditional fertilizers solve the problem of "eating well", while new fertilizers solve the problems of "eating well" and "sustainable development". This is also the underlying logic of the country's continuous promotion of the "zero growth action of fertilizer use" and the "weight loss and efficiency improvement" policy.

2、 Interpretation of current national support policies
The promotion and application of new fertilizers is not simply a market behavior, but has profound policy guidance behind it. In recent years, a series of policy documents have been intensively issued at the national level, providing strong support for the development of new fertilizers.
1. Zero growth action for fertilizer usage
In 2015, the former Ministry of Agriculture issued the "Action Plan for Zero Growth in Fertilizer Use by 2020", which clearly proposed the technical path of "refinement, adjustment, improvement, and replacement". From 2016 to 2024, the total amount of agricultural fertilizers used in China has been decreasing for 9 consecutive years, with a cumulative decrease of 17.2%. Meanwhile, grain production has increased from 1.32 trillion catties in 2015 to 1.41 trillion catties in 2024, with a growth rate of 6.9%. Between this decrease and increase, it is precisely the space for new fertilizers to play a role - water-soluble fertilizers to improve utilization efficiency, controlled-release fertilizers to reduce losses, and biological fertilizers to replace some chemical fertilizers.
2. Pilot program for green farming and circular agriculture
In 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance launched a pilot program for green farming and circular agriculture. As of now, the pilot has covered 337 counties (cities, districts, farms) in 24 provinces (regions, cities), cultivating more than 5200 social service entities, gathering nearly 30000 professional practitioners, and treating a total of 87.05 million tons of solid manure and 140 million cubic meters of liquid manure, reducing fertilizer usage by 560000 tons. The pilot project area has reduced the average use of chemical fertilizers by 10% and significantly improved the comprehensive utilization rate of livestock and poultry manure.
3. High standard farmland construction
The National High Standard Farmland Construction Plan (2021-2030) proposes to build 1.2 billion mu of high standard farmland by 2030. With the popularization of drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation facilities, the application scenarios of water-soluble fertilizers are constantly expanding. At present, the area of integrated water and fertilizer promotion in China exceeds 150 million mu, which has doubled compared to 2015. By 2025, the integrated area of water and fertilizer for corn and wheat will increase by more than 20 million mu compared to the previous year, and the nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate will increase by 2.5 percentage points.
4. Agricultural Green Development Pilot Zone
The country has successively recognized three batches of agricultural green development pilot zones, and the efficient utilization of new fertilizers has been listed as a key content. More than 60 lightweight and simplified technology models, such as "formula fertilizer+biological microbial agent", "manure+mechanical deep application", and "biogas slurry+water fertilizer integration", have emerged in various regions. The nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate has increased by more than 8 percentage points, and the average income per mu has increased by more than 100 yuan.
The Deep Logic of Policy Orientation
By sorting out the above policies, we can clearly see the country's support for new fertilizers. But for the vast majority of farmers, understanding the value of policy orientation lies in following the trend. While enjoying policy dividends, we should also be aware that the ultimate goal of policy support is to achieve sustainable agricultural development, rather than simply promoting a certain type of product. Therefore, when choosing new fertilizers, it is important to consider both what policies encourage and what is truly needed in one's own field.

3、 Main categories and functional characteristics of new fertilizers
According to the "Fertilizer Registration Management Measures" and relevant technical standards of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the mainstream new fertilizers on the market can be classified into the following three categories:
1. Water soluble fertilizers: precision catering type
Water soluble fertilizers refer to multi-component compound fertilizers that can be completely dissolved in water, mainly including water-soluble fertilizers of large elements, water-soluble fertilizers of medium elements, water-soluble fertilizers of trace elements, and water-soluble fertilizers containing amino acids and humic acids.
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Functional features: fast absorption speed and high utilization rate. Due to its ionic form, nutrients can be directly absorbed by crop roots or leaves, and fertilizer efficiency usually manifests within 48 hours. Especially suitable for facility agriculture such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation, it can achieve integrated water and fertilizer management.
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Applicable scenarios: precise topdressing for crops during critical periods of fertilization (such as fruit setting and swelling), stress recovery periods (such as after freezing damage and pesticide damage), and high-value crops (such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers).
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Key points for purchasing: Firstly, check the content of insoluble substances in water. The national standard requires ≤ 5%, and high-quality products can reach less than 1%; Secondly, look at the nutrient forms, such as the ratio of nitrate nitrogen to ammonium nitrogen. Products with a high proportion of nitrate nitrogen have faster effects.
2. Microbial fertilizers: soil conditioning type
Microbial fertilizers refer to products containing specific live microorganisms, which improve crop nutrient supply through the life activities of microorganisms. They mainly include compound microbial fertilizers, bio organic fertilizers, and agricultural microbial agents.
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Functional characteristics: Unique mechanism of action. One is to activate nutrients, phosphorus and potassium solubilizing bacteria can release fixed phosphorus and potassium in the soil; Secondly, it produces antibacterial substances to reduce soil borne diseases; The third is to secrete growth regulating substances to promote root development. It is worth noting that the effect of microbial fertilizers has lag and accumulation, and usually requires continuous use for 2-3 seasons to show significant results. According to monitoring data from Liling, Hunan, farmland treated with manure for four consecutive years showed an average increase of 5.4% in soil organic matter content and a 4.6% increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium available nutrient content.
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Applicable scenarios: Continuous cropping areas with severe obstacles, soil compaction or salinization plots, and organic agricultural production bases.
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Key points for purchasing: First, check the effective live bacteria count. The national standard requires ≥ 20 million/gram, and high-quality products can reach over 200 million/gram; Secondly, consider the applicability of bacterial strains. Different bacterial strains adapt to different soil environments. For example, Bacillus subtilis is drought and salt tolerant and suitable for dry land in the north, while Bacillus subtilis prefers moisture and is suitable for paddy fields in the south.
3. Slow release/controlled release fertilizers: scheduled meal type
Slow release fertilizers refer to fertilizers that release nutrients at a slower rate than traditional instant fertilizers, while controlled-release fertilizers go further and their release rate, pattern, and duration can be regulated according to crop needs. At present, the mainstream products are mainly coated urea.
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Functional features: one-time application, long-term supply. Wrap urea particles with materials such as sulfur and resin to control the entry of moisture and nutrient dissolution. The release period of high-quality controlled-release fertilizer can reach 3-12 months, which matches the crop growth cycle and can achieve "only one fertilizer application per season". The combination of deep lateral fertilization and slow-release special fertilizer for rice can increase nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency by 2.1 percentage points.
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Applicable scenarios: labor shortage areas, large-scale planting bases, and long growing field crops such as rice.
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Key points for selection: Firstly, check if the release period matches the growth period of the crop. For example, rice products with a release period of 90-120 days are recommended; Secondly, check the initial dissolution rate. For high-quality products, the initial dissolution rate within 24 hours should be ≤ 15% to avoid early seedling burning; Looking at the coating material, resin coating releases more stably than sulfur coating, but the price is also higher.

4、 Scientific selection methodology for new fertilizers
After understanding the basic characteristics of the three major categories, the next step is how to make a choice based on one's own situation. We have distilled the 'Four Step Method' to help you spend your money wisely.
1. Check the packaging label
Packaging is the first business card of a product. The first step in purchasing is to understand the three key information on the packaging. According to the "Content and Requirements for Fertilizer Labeling" (GB18382-2021), qualified product packaging must be labeled with the following information:
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One is the registration certificate number. Water soluble fertilizers, microbial fertilizers, etc. shall be registered and managed, and the packaging shall indicate the registration certificate number issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in the format of "Agricultural Fertilizer (Year) Approval No. XXXX" or "Microbial Fertilizer (Year) Approval No. XXXX". You can check the authenticity through the official website of the Planting Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
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The second is to implement standards. For example, water-soluble fertilizers with a large amount of elements shall comply with NY/T1107-2020, bio organic fertilizers shall comply with NY884-2012, and controlled-release fertilizers shall comply with GB/T23348-2009. The newer the standard number, the higher the technical requirements.
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The third is nutrient content. Be cautious of vague statements such as "total nutrients ≥ 50%", and clearly label specific indicators such as nitrogen phosphorus potassium ratio, trace element content, and effective viable bacteria count.
2. Look at soil crops
Choosing fertilizer is like choosing medicine, it requires targeted treatment. Specifically, it can be judged from two dimensions:
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First, look at the soil. For plots with severe compaction and rapid water seepage, it is advisable to use humic acid or bio organic fertilizers to improve the aggregate structure; For plots with obvious salinization and white surface, it is advisable to use acidic fertilizers containing sulfur or calcium to neutralize soil pH; For plots that have been continuously cultivated for many years and have a high incidence of soil borne diseases, it is advisable to use microbial agents to inhibit harmful bacteria.
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Next, look at the crops. Leafy vegetables require a large amount of nitrogen, so it is advisable to use high nitrogen water-soluble fertilizers; Solanaceous fruits require more phosphorus and potassium, and it is advisable to choose high phosphorus and high potassium types; Root and stem crops require the most potassium, so it is advisable to use potassium sulfate type compound fertilizers. Perennial crops such as fruit trees should use controlled-release fertilizers to reduce the frequency of fertilization.
3. Calculate input-output ratio
The price of new fertilizers is generally higher than that of traditional fertilizers, and it is necessary to calculate the economic account well.
Taking controlled-release fertilizer as an example, the average market price is about 3500 yuan/ton, and ordinary compound fertilizer is about 2800 yuan/ton, with an increase of about 70 yuan per mu in investment. But controlled-release fertilizers can reduce the need for topdressing by 1-2 times, saving about 50 yuan per mu of labor. In addition, the increased utilization rate brings about increased yield, and the comprehensive benefits are often higher than traditional fertilizers.
Microbial fertilizer investment is about 120 yuan/acre. If used continuously for three years, the continuous increase in soil organic matter can bring cumulative benefits of over 500 yuan/acre. Taking Liling, Hunan Province as an example, vegetable growers who apply manure can save more than 300 yuan per mu in cost and increase efficiency, increase fruit sugar content by more than 17%, and significantly improve economic benefits. This is a long-term account that requires patience.
4. Conduct experimental demonstrations
The last and most important rule is to try before buying.
Any new type of fertilizer, no matter how tempting the manufacturer's promotion may be, should first undergo small-scale testing. Select 2-3 plots of land and compare them with conventional fertilization to observe three key indicators: changes in leaf color within one week (to determine the speed of effectiveness), yield per plant during harvest (to determine the effect of increasing yield), and changes in soil texture (to determine the effect of soil improvement).
The experiment is effective and can be widely promoted. This is the safest way to avoid risks.

Conclusion
The rise of new fertilizers is an inevitable trend in the process of agricultural modernization. It carries the national strategy of weight loss and efficiency improvement, responds to the expectations of the people for improving quality and increasing income, and reflects the technological progress of the agricultural inputs industry. For the vast number of farmers, this is both an opportunity and a challenge.
At the same time, it is necessary to remind farmers to be alert to the following four types of market chaos:
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Trap 1: Import deception. Some products are marketed as "foreign technology" and "imported from Israel", but in reality, they are produced under OEM by small domestic factories. By checking the registration certificate number and production site, it can be identified.
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Trap 2: Conceptual hype. Packaging ordinary fertilizers as "nano fertilizers", "quantum fertilizers", and "space fertilizers", using high-tech terms to conceal the essence of the products. Remember: Any fertilizer must have a registration certificate number, implementation standards, and there are no "special channel" products.
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Trap 3: Exaggerate effectiveness. Claiming that 'once applied, no need to fertilize for life' and 'three days effective, doubling yield' violates the basic laws of plant growth and is a typical false advertising.
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Trap 4: Using the name of an expert. Using the name of an agricultural research institution, using "expert recommendation" and "designated by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences" as gimmicks. It can be verified through the official website that true experts will not advocate for a single enterprise.
Farming is a conscientious job, choosing fertilizer is a technical job. Faced with an endless stream of new products and concepts, there is no need to resist or blindly follow the trend. The best attitude is to keep learning and understand the basic principles; Be cautious and try before using; Maintain rationality and calculate the input-output balance.
New fertilizers are not omnipotent, but when used in the right place, with the right category, and in the right way, they can indeed make our land healthier, save investment, and yield more substantial. This is precisely where the value of agricultural technology lies.