Less fertilizer, same harvest? Nitrate dispute comes to a head

Fertilization as a point of contention

For environmental associations, the situation is clear: in Saxony, around 185,000 hectares - around a fifth of agricultural land - are considered to be nitrate-polluted. The main cause is excessive nitrogen inputs from agriculture, according to the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu). The consequences are serious: over-fertilized waters, declining biodiversity and rising costs for drinking water treatment.

Farmers, on the other hand, are faced with a dilemma. Less fertilizer often means lower yields. In particularly polluted areas, individual crops suffer "significant economic losses", according to the Saxon Ministry of Agriculture.

"In order to achieve an economically acceptable result, a little more nitrogen must be fertilized than the plant needs," explains UFZ researcher Vogel.

The agriculture ministers of the federal states are also calling for changes to fertilizer legislation and questioning the existing "red areas".

Fertilize less - but how?

The calculation is not entirely clear. Measurements show that additional nitrogen inputs from the air can be higher than assumed. In some cases, it is therefore possible to "reduce fertilization somewhat without really reducing yields significantly", says Vogel.

If too little fertilizer is applied, there is a risk of humus depletion and thus a long-term deterioration in soil fertility.

Catch crops can retain excess nitrogen in the soil. "They keep this nitrogen in the system and it is not washed out," emphasizes Vogel. Sustainable cultivation needs to be promoted more so that environmentally friendly farming pays off.

However, the researcher sees a fundamental problem: "There is too much focus on purely mineral fertilization." Instead, more closed nutrient cycles are needed - such as organic fertilizers.

Prices, crises - and new dependencies

The situation is also being exacerbated by geopolitical developments. The conflict in the Middle East is putting a strain on supply chains and driving up energy prices - crucial for the production of fertilizers.

This is becoming a risk for many farms. Rising costs meet low producer prices. EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen is concerned: he is worried that farmers could cut back their production in order to save costs. If many farms were to do this, "there could be problems in the food supply".

At the same time, the EU is working on measures to secure the supply of fertilizers and become less dependent on imports. A corresponding action plan is expected in the coming months.

At the same time, agriculture remains dependent on mineral fertilizers. In Saxony-Anhalt, the salt and fertilizer manufacturer K+S operates a plant in Bernburg. According to the company, demand has been robust since mid-2025 and has picked up again with the start of the fertilizer season.

The Federal Administrative Court recently demanded improvements to the Fertilizer Ordinance.

Europe still has around 150 production sites for fertilizers, said Hansen. However, prices and availability are increasingly determined by the global market.

An open outcome

The pressure on farms is growing. They need to fertilize less and remain profitable at the same time.

A lot will be discussed about this at Agra in Leipzig over the coming days - in specialist forums and on panels. Solutions are needed, there are no simple answers. Whether the balancing act succeeds, however, will not be decided at the trade fair - but in the fields.

• Agra trade fair

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