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Negative global phosphorus budgets challenge sustainable intensification of grasslands

Author

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  • S. Z. Sattari

    (Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University
    Present address: Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK.)

  • A. F. Bouwman

    (Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University
    PBL - Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency)

  • R. Martinez Rodríguez

    (Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Livestock Information, Sector Analysis and Policy branch (AGAL))

  • A. H. W. Beusen

    (Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University
    PBL - Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency)

  • M. K. van Ittersum

    (Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University)

Abstract

Grasslands provide grass and fodder to sustain the growing need for ruminant meat and milk. Soil nutrients in grasslands are removed through withdrawal in these livestock products and through animal manure that originates from grasslands and is spread in croplands. This leads to loss of soil fertility, because globally most grasslands receive no mineral fertilizer. Here we show that phosphorus (P) inputs (mineral and organic) in global grasslands will have to increase more than fourfold in 2050 relative to 2005 to achieve an anticipated 80% increase in grass production (for milk and meat), while maintaining the soil P status. Combined with requirements for cropland, we estimate that mineral P fertilizer use must double by 2050 to sustain future crop and grassland production. Our findings point to the need to better understand the role of grasslands and their soil P status and their importance for global food security.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Z. Sattari & A. F. Bouwman & R. Martinez Rodríguez & A. H. W. Beusen & M. K. van Ittersum, 2016. "Negative global phosphorus budgets challenge sustainable intensification of grasslands," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10696
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10696
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    Cited by:

    1. Helin, Janne & Weikard, Hans-Peter, 2019. "A model for estimating phosphorus requirements of world food production," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).

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