This glossary draws on IFA’s scientific expertise and from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)’s – ISO 8157:2022 on fertilizers, soil conditioners, and beneficial substances.
Diversity of animal and crop species, between species in different ecosystems.
The total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transport, and use of fertilizers.
A natural or artificial process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and held in solid or liquid form.
A fertilizer in which the particles are covered by a layer of a different substance; thin layers are used to prevent moisture pick-up or caking and thicker layers or less permeable materials to delay or prolong the release of nutrients.
Fertilizers designed to release nutrients gradually over time, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching. A fertilizer which releases nutrients over a period of time; slow release: gradual release over much or all of the growth period ; controlled release: a delayed release of plant nutrients some time after application. (For example, sulphur coated urea, IBDU etc…).
An increase in the rate of addition of nutrients to water bodies, leading to an excessive multiplication of algae and other undesirable aquatic plant species.
A gas whose higher concentration in the atmosphere may change the average world temperature by absorbing solar radiation. The gases include carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.
A strategy combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with improved agricultural practices to sustain soil health and crop productivity.
The loss of plant nutrients from soils in percolating water.
New and improved agricultural products that use waste materials and innovative technologies to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce environmental impact
Proportion of applied nutrient taken up by the crop, usually expressed as a percentage.
Product produced as a by-product from the wet phosphoric acid process.
The modification of soil and crop management according to the different conditions found within the field.
The lateral movement of excess water on the surface of the soil towards stream, rivers etc…
A state of a soil meeting its range of ecosystem functions as appropriate to its environment
State of the global system, including environmental, social and economic aspects, in which the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.