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Phosphorus for Sustainable Development Goal target of doubling smallholder productivity

Author

Listed:
  • C. Langhans

    (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency)

  • A. H. W. Beusen

    (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
    Utrecht University)

  • J. M. Mogollón

    (University of Leiden)

  • A. F. Bouwman

    (PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
    Utrecht University
    Ocean University of China)

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for life. In many tropical countries, P-fixing soils and very low historical P input limit uptake of P in crops and thus yields. This presents a serious obstacle for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 2.3 of doubling productivity in smallholder farms. We calculated the geographic distribution of P limitation (1 – actual/potential P uptake) and the P input required to achieve this SDG target by 2030 in comparison to the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP2) scenario for five world regions where smallholder farms dominate. To achieve target 2.3, these regions require 39% more P application (126 Tg) between 2015 and 2030. While P limitation is most widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, it is the only region on track to achieving the doubling of productivity in the SSP2 scenario (increase by a factor of 1.8). Achieving the target requires a strong increase in P input, while protecting soils and waterways from excessive P runoff.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:5:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41893-021-00794-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00794-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Magnone & Vahid J. Niasar & Alexander F. Bouwman & Arthur H. W. Beusen & Sjoerd E. A. T. M. Zee & Sheida Z. Sattari, 2022. "The impact of phosphorus on projected Sub-Saharan Africa food security futures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Nazir Ahmed & Lifang Deng & Chuan Wang & Zia-ul-Hassan Shah & Lansheng Deng & Yongquan Li & Juan Li & Sadaruddin Chachar & Zaid Chachar & Faisal Hayat & Bilquees Bozdar & Filza Ansari & Rashid Ali & L, 2024. "Advancements in Biochar Modification for Enhanced Phosphorus Utilization in Agriculture," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-27, May.
    3. 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.

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