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New investments in phosphorus research and training are paramount for Brazilian long-term environmental and food security

Author

Listed:
  • Henrique Rasera Raniro

    (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna)

  • Jéssica Papera

    (Wetsus
    Delft University of Technology)

  • Lucas Urbano José

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Rodrigo Maia Valença

    (Aalborg University)

  • Paulo Sergio Pavinato

    (University of São Paulo)

  • Ludwig Hermann

    (Proman Management GmbH)

  • Jakob Santner

    (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
    Justus Liebig University Gießen)

Abstract

Brazil is an agricultural giant that plays a crucial role in the Global Phosphorus Challenge (GPC), and whose highly weathered soils are currently dependent on phosphorus (P) fertilizers derived from phosphate rock, a dwindling and critical resource. Brazil imports > 50% of its P fertilizers and P recovery from waste is not yet explored in the country, making it vulnerable to market instabilities, phosphate rock availability, and geopolitical conflicts. To make matters worse, Brazilian research budget has been shrinking for 7 years straight, hindering scientific efforts and causing significant ‘brain drain’, further undermining the country’s capacity to tackle this critical problem. However, an opportunity comes with the new Brazilian Federal government (starting January 2023), which promises to make significant investments in science and higher education. We call for all stakeholders to seize this important moment and timely collaborate in creating multidisciplinary P-related projects, taking advantage of the soon-to-be available resources to develop knowledge, technologies, and training networks to shape a new generation of experts in P management in the tropics. We are confident that through agriculture intensification, intelligent use of resources, new legislation and governance, Brazil will stride towards sustainable food production, bringing immediate value to Brazil and the world by protecting the Amazon forest and advancing to overcome the GPC.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrique Rasera Raniro & Jéssica Papera & Lucas Urbano José & Rodrigo Maia Valença & Paulo Sergio Pavinato & Ludwig Hermann & Jakob Santner, 2023. "New investments in phosphorus research and training are paramount for Brazilian long-term environmental and food security," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 43(3), pages 504-508, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:43:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10669-023-09903-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-023-09903-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. C. Langhans & A. H. W. Beusen & J. M. Mogollón & A. F. Bouwman, 2022. "Phosphorus for Sustainable Development Goal target of doubling smallholder productivity," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 57-63, January.
    2. T. Zou & X. Zhang & E. A. Davidson, 2022. "Global trends of cropland phosphorus use and sustainability challenges," Nature, Nature, vol. 611(7934), pages 81-87, November.
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