Fertilizer Use and Wheat Yield in Central and Eastern European Countries from 1986 to 2005 and Its Implication for Developing Sustainable Fertilizer Management Practices

Abstract

Economic and political challenges impact agricultural practices, production efficiency, and crop yields. We hypothesize that increased conversion efficiency of fertilizer to crop yield resulted from changes in fertilizer management in Central and Eastern European countries. Efficient nutrient management depends on fertilizer applied, management practices, and weather, which impact uptake, utilization efficiency, and crop yield. Trends in fertilizer consumption and wheat yields from 1986 to 2005 were studied for five countries. There were significant differences in yield gap, defined as the difference between potential and actual yields. Partial factor productivity of applied nitrogen fertilizer (N) is calculated from real and modified indices. A predictive metric is introduced based on the quantity of unworked, or nonproductive, N (N_uw). Sustainable cropping practices reduce N_uw and yield gap. Improved knowledge of crop responses to balanced plant nutrition at the country level contribute to improved agricultural and environmental policies and enhance production sustainability.

Keywords:

• CEE countries
• fertilizer consumption
• fertilizer use efficiency
• partial factor N productivity
• P/N and K/N ratios
• wheat yields
• yield gap
• yield prognosis

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Debbie Boykin for assistance with the statistical analysis. Mention of a trade name or proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Details of specific products are provided for information only and do not imply approval of a product to the exclusion of others that may be available.