Critical Insights in Agriculture

Fertilizer Innovations, Applications and Use

Fertilizers and soil amendments are an essential component of most modern agricultural systems. These materials often provide a source of nutrients but may also enhance plant uptake from existing sources. This Special Issue aims to highlight fertilizer innovations in agriculture that improve nutrient use efficiency and related topics. Importantly, rather than simply reporting plant responses to different soil amendments, the Special Issue will focus on their likely modes of action.

Submissions may be grounded in any relevant discipline and interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary submissions are encouraged. In keeping with Critical Insights in Agriculture, submissions may be original research, perspectives or mini reviews.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• plant responses to innovative soil amendments in field and laboratory studies;
• innovative applications of conventional fertilizer products, non-conventional fertilizer products and their efficacy;
• emerging technologies that enhance fertilizer efficiency, including the use of biostimulants and other technologies that better match nutrient release characteristics to plant needs;
• root zone modification to enhance fertilizer efficiency and productivity;
• development of training schemes that aim to optimise fertilizer use for production and environmental outcomes;
• regulatory frameworks for fertilizers and associated products in different jurisdictions; and
• products or mechanisms that enhance the plant availability of residual (e.g., legacy) nutrients.