Australian fertiliser efficiency use in the spotlight as supplies collapse

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has exposed a critical vulnerability in Australia's agricultural supply chain, with urea fertiliser prices surging by up to 50% over the last two weeks in March. Since February, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for one-third of the world's seaborne fertiliser trade, has collapsed. This has resulted in a reported one million tonnes of fertiliser being stranded in the Persian Gulf, leaving Australia with no large-scale strategic reserves. Widespread infrastructure damage in the region means that even if the Strait were to reopen tomorrow, supply would be constrained for months.

This crisis has put the spotlight on Australia's reliance on fertiliser and the need for more efficient use of this vital resource. In response, a research project led by Murdoch University's Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) is working to reduce fertiliser dependency for one of the nation's most important export crops: wheat. The Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) project is a collaboration between Murdoch University, Australian Grain Technologies, the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, and the West Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The project aims to identify the genetic mechanisms that allow wheat varieties to convert applied nitrogen into yield and grain protein more effectively. Currently, wheat crops account for less than 40% of applied nitrogen, with only 33% recovered in the grain and the rest lost to the environment. If researchers can shift these numbers through improved genetics, growers could maintain or increase yields while using significantly less fertiliser. This would cut input costs and reduce exposure to the kind of supply chain shocks currently affecting the industry.

Wheat NUE Project leader and CCFI director, Professor Rajeev Varshney, explained the importance of focusing on this area. "What this conflict has shown us is that nitrogen use efficiency is no longer just a matter of environmental concern but also a critical factor in agricultural supply chain resilience. By developing wheat varieties that use nitrogen more efficiently, we can help stabilise fertiliser demand and mitigate the risks posed by global supply chain disruptions."

The research team is working closely with agricultural stakeholders to ensure that any advancements in nitrogen use efficiency can be quickly translated into practical solutions for farmers. This includes developing new breeding strategies and optimising existing crop management practices to maximise the efficiency of nitrogen use.

The Wheat NUE project is part of a broader effort to enhance Australia's agricultural productivity while minimising the environmental impact of intensive farming. By improving nitrogen use efficiency, the country can reduce its reliance on imported fertiliser and lessen the environmental footprint of its agricultural sector. This not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the Middle East conflict but also sets the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

As the global demand for food continues to grow, the need for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices becomes even more pressing. The Wheat NUE project represents a significant step towards achieving this goal, not only for Australia but also for the global agricultural community. By harnessing the potential of improved nitrogen use efficiency, the project aims to ensure that future generations can meet the demands of a growing population while preserving the planet's natural resources.