The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Chemical Fertilizers in Crop Production: Future Perspectives and Suitable Alternatives
Subject Areas : Research On Crop Ecophysiology
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Keywords: Key words: Inorganic fertilizer, Agricultural productions, Benefits, Difficulties ,
Abstract :
ABSTRACT The use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural production has been a cornerstone of modern farming practices, significantly enhancing crop yields and food security. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of chemical fertilizers, highlighting their role in increasing nutrient availability and promoting rapid plant growth. However, the reliance on these inputs has raised concerns regarding soil health, environmental pollution, and long-term sustainability. The adverse effects, such as soil degradation, waterway contamination, and the disruption of local ecosystems, necessitate a critical evaluation of their continued use. Furthermore, this article explores the future of agricultural practices in the context of rising environmental awareness and the need for sustainable alternatives. Potential substitutes, including organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and innovative agronomic practices, are discussed as viable options that can mitigate the negative impacts associated with chemical fertilizers. By assessing current research and case studies, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the implications of chemical fertilizer use in agriculture, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both traditional and alternative methods to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship. Key words: Inorganic fertilizer, Agricultural productions, Benefits, Difficulties
References:
REFERENCES
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Alnaass N. S., Trabalsiy Z. B. K., Abubaira M. H., Alyaseer N. A. 2025. Fungi as Nature’s Recyclers Optimizing Nutrient Dynamics in Agroecosystems. African Journal of Advanced Pure and Applied Sciences (AJAPAS), 110-126.
Amiri MB, Jahan M, Moghaddam PR. 2022. An exploratory method to determine the plant characteristics affecting the final yield of Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Under fertilizers application and plant densities. Sci Rep. 3;12(1):1881.
Arefi A., Mirzaei Heydari M., Maleki A. 2025. Study the Possibility of replacing Triple Super Phosphate Chemical Fertilizer by Using Biological Fertilizers in Mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) Cultivation. Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science.
Athuman J. J. 2023. Fostering Sustainable Agriculture Through Integrated Agricultural Science Education: General Overview and Lessons from Studies. Research and Reviews in Agriculture Science Volume I, 1; 117.
Bagheri M., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2020. Effect of Biofertilizers and Chemical Fertilizers on Phosphorus Uptake and Wheat Yield. Research on Crop Ecophysiology, 15(1), 13-19.
Beigzadeh S., Maleki A., Heydari M. M., Khourgami A., Rangin A. 2019. Ecological and physiological performance of white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) affected by algae extract and salicylic acid spraying under water deficit stress. Applied Ecology & Environmental Research, 17(1).
Brears R. C. 2025. Sustainable Water-Food Nexus: Circular Economy, Water Management, Sustainable Agriculture. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG 2025.
Chandra N. 2023. Agricultureal Development and Environmental Sustanability. Planta, 7, 1374-1386.
De Vos, K., Janssens C., Jacobs L., Campforts B., Boere E., Kozicka M. Govers, G. 2024. African food system and biodiversity mainly affected by urbanization via dietary shifts. Nature Sustainability, 1-10.
Getahun S., Kefale H., Gelaye Y. 2024. Application of precision agriculture technologies for sustainable crop production and environmental sustainability: A systematic review. The Scientific World Journal, 2024(1), 2126734.
Ghosh A., Kumar A., Biswas G. 2024. Exponential population growth and global food security: challenges and alternatives. In Bioremediation of Emerging Contaminants from Soils (pp. 1-20). Elsevier.
Heydari M. M., Brook R. M., Jones D. L. 2019. The role of phosphorus sources on root diameter, root length and root dry matter of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Journal of plant nutrition, 42(1), 1-15.
Heydari M. M., R. M. Brook P. Withers D. L. Jones. "Mycorrhizal infection of barley roots and its effect upon phosphorus uptake." 2011: 137-142.
Heydari M. M., A. Maleki R. Brook D. L. Jones. "Efficiency of phosphorus solubilising bacteria and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on yield and yield components of wheat cultivar (Chamran)." (2009): 189-193.
Hosseini L., Maleki A., Mozafari A., Mirzaeiheydari M., Sadeghi-Shoae M. 2022. Evaluation of water and nitrogen use efficiency, digestibility and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage beet cultivars under different irrigation methods and nitrogen levels. Gesunde Pflanzen, 74(1), 177-191.
Kumar R., Kumar S., Yashavanth B. S., Venu N., Meena P. C., Dhandapani A., Kumar A. 2023. Natural farming practices for chemical-free agriculture: implications for crop yield and profitability. Agriculture, 13(3), 647.
Feilinezhad A., Mirzaeiheydari M., Babaei F., Maleki A., Rostaminya M. 2022. The effect of tillage, organic matter and mycorrhizal fungi on efficiency and productivity use of nutrients in maize. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 53(20), 2719-2733.
Jote C. A. 2023. The impacts of using inorganic chemical fertilizers on the environment and human health. Org. Med. Chem. Int. J, 13, 555864.
Lotfi B., Maleki A., Mirzaei Heydari M., Rostaminiya M., Babaei F. 2021. The Effect of Different Tillage Systems, Nitrogen Fertilizer and Mycorrhiza on Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Production and Energy Indices. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 52(4), 416-428.
Maleki A., Pournajaf M., Naseri R., Rashnavadi R., Heydari M. 2014. The effect of supplemental irrigation, nitrogen levels and inoculation with rhizobium bacteria on seed quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under rainfed conditions.
Maleki A., Feizolahi A., Naseri R., Rezaei K., Heydari M. M. 2014. Effects of different fertilizer sources on vegetative characteristics of pot marigold plant (Calendula officinalis L.). 242-249.
Mirzaei Heidari M., Bagheri M. 2022. Chemical fertilizers and healthy food. Tayyab international food conference. Food Science and Industry Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Razavi Quality Institute. Mashhad. 719-715
Mirzakarami Nasrin, Heydari M. Mirzaei and Mahmoud Rostaminia. "The effect of different fertilization systems (chemical, biological and combinatory) on different characteristics of winter barley." 2019: 103-117.
Mirzaei Heydari M., Brook R. M., Jones, D. L. 2024a. Barley Growth and Phosphorus Uptake in Response to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 55(6), 846-861.
Mirzaei Heydari M., Fathi A., Atashpikar R. 2024b. The effect of chemical and biofertilizer on the nutrient concentration of root, shoot and seed of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under drought stress. Crop Science Research in Arid Regions, 5(3), 539-554.
Mirzaei Heydari M., Babaei Z. 2022. The effect of plant growth promoting bacteria inoculated in soil and different rates of phosphorous fertilizer on growth and yield of autumn wheat. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 53(10), 2247-2259.
Mirzaei Heidari M., Mishkhaszadeh K. 2023. Evaluating the effects of mycorrhizal fungi on growth and yield of winter chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under conditions of supplemental irrigation. Journal of Plant Environmental Physiology, 18(3): 18-31.
Najim Abdul Reda M., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2024. Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, different amounts of zeolite and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on mung bean yield (Vigna radiate L.). Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(9), 1633-1645.
Panday D., Bhusal N., Das S., Ghalehgolabbehbahani A. 2024. Rooted in nature: The rise, challenges, and potential of organic farming and fertilizers in agroecosystems. Sustainability, 16(4), 1530.
Penuelas J., Coello F., Sardans J. 2023. A better use of fertilizers is needed for global food security and environmental sustainability. Agriculture & Food Security, 12(1), 1-9.
Qasim Saleh A., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2024. Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, different amounts of zeolite and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on mung bean yield (Vigna radiate L.). Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(4), 653-664.
Qiao L., Wang X., Smith P., Fan J., Lu Y., Emmett, B., Fan, M. 2022. Soil quality both increases crop production and improves resilience to climate change. Nature Climate Change, 12(6), 574-580.
Rahmani A., Maleki A., Mirzaeiheydari M., Naseri R. 2014. Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and planting pattern on yield and its components of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Ilam province, Iran. International Journal of Biological, Veterinary, Agricultural and Food Engineering, 8(8), 844-850.
Selvarajh G., Ch'ng H.Y., Zain N.M., Wei L.S., Liew J.Y., Azmin S.N.H.M., Naher L., Abdullah P.S., Ahmed O.H., Jalloh M.B. and Damrongrak I. 2024. Enriched rice husk biochar superior to commercial biochar in ameliorating ammonia loss from urea fertilizer and improving plant uptake. Heliyon, 10(11).
Singh, S., Devi, N.B., Divya, D., Kumar, A., Singh, S., Tyagi, G., Nath, A. and Kumar, A., (2024). Soil fertility management: Role of organic amendments and bio-fertilizers: A review. International Journal of Research in Agronomy, 7(12): 766-772
Subramaniam Y., Loganathan N., Habibullah M. S. 2025. Digitalization and Food Security: Evidence From Developing Countries. Review of Development Economics.
Sukanya R. 2024. Global Trade and Food Security. In Food Security in a Developing World: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities (pp. 229-258). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Srivastav A. L., Patel N., Rani L., Kumar P., Dutt I., Maddodi B. S., Chaudhary V. K. 2024. Sustainable options for fertilizer management in agriculture to prevent water contamination: a review. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26(4), 8303-8327.
Thakur J. S., Paika R. 2024. Ecological crisis due to chemical toxicity: Addressing soil health for better human health. Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health, 8(3), 133-142.
Tian S., Xu Y., Wang Q., Zhang Y., Yuan X., Ma Q., Feng X., Ma H., Liu J., Liu C. and Hussain M.B., 2023. The effect of optimizing chemical fertilizers consumption structure to promote environmental protection, crop yield and reduce greenhouse gases emission in China. Science of The Total Environment, 857, p.159349.
Ugwu C. N., Okon, M. B. 2024. Fostering Food Security through Enhanced Fertilizer Production: Examining Policy Frameworks. INOSR Experimental Sciences, 13(1), 31-37.
Vejan P., Khadiran T., Abdullah R., Ahmad, N. 2021. Controlled release fertilizer: A review on developments, applications and potential in agriculture. Journal of controlled Release, 339, 321-334.
Vetrivel S. C., Arun V. P. 2025. Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture Using AI Technologies. In Real-World Applications of AI Innovation (pp. 85-106). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Xu C., Zhu H., Liu H., Ji, C., Yuan J., Li G. Zhang Y. 2024. Patterns of crop-specific fertilizer-nitrogen losses and opportunities for sustainable mitigation: A quantitative overview of 15N-tracing studies. Soil Ecology Letters, 6(2), 230206.
Zamani-Ahmadmahmoodi R., Bayati S., Abdollahi K., Mafi-Gholami D., Joorabian Shooshtari S., Gharahi N. Soleimanipour S. S. 2025. Water quality and eutrophication status of the Zarivar Wetland (Iran). Applied Water Science, 15(2), 24.
Zeinivand Z., Babaei F., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2025. Investigating the mutual effect of herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer on the functional characteristics of beans and weeds in regions of Dareshar and Malekshahi. Crop Science Research in Arid Regions.
REFERENCES
Akinnawo S. O. 2023. Eutrophication: Causes, consequences, physical, chemical and biological techniques for mitigation strategies. Environmental Challenges, 12, 100733.
Alnaass N. S., Trabalsiy Z. B. K., Abubaira M. H., Alyaseer N. A. 2025. Fungi as Nature’s Recyclers Optimizing Nutrient Dynamics in Agroecosystems. African Journal of Advanced Pure and Applied Sciences (AJAPAS), 110-126.
Amiri MB, Jahan M, Moghaddam PR. 2022. An exploratory method to determine the plant characteristics affecting the final yield of Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Under fertilizers application and plant densities. Sci Rep. 3;12(1):1881.
Arefi A., Mirzaei Heydari M., Maleki A. 2025. Study the Possibility of replacing Triple Super Phosphate Chemical Fertilizer by Using Biological Fertilizers in Mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) Cultivation. Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science.
Athuman J. J. 2023. Fostering Sustainable Agriculture Through Integrated Agricultural Science Education: General Overview and Lessons from Studies. Research and Reviews in Agriculture Science Volume I, 1; 117.
Bagheri M., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2020. Effect of Biofertilizers and Chemical Fertilizers on Phosphorus Uptake and Wheat Yield. Research on Crop Ecophysiology, 15(1), 13-19.
Beigzadeh S., Maleki A., Heydari M. M., Khourgami A., Rangin A. 2019. Ecological and physiological performance of white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) affected by algae extract and salicylic acid spraying under water deficit stress. Applied Ecology & Environmental Research, 17(1).
Brears R. C. 2025. Sustainable Water-Food Nexus: Circular Economy, Water Management, Sustainable Agriculture. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG 2025.
Chandra N. 2023. Agricultureal Development and Environmental Sustanability. Planta, 7, 1374-1386.
De Vos, K., Janssens C., Jacobs L., Campforts B., Boere E., Kozicka M. Govers, G. 2024. African food system and biodiversity mainly affected by urbanization via dietary shifts. Nature Sustainability, 1-10.
Getahun S., Kefale H., Gelaye Y. 2024. Application of precision agriculture technologies for sustainable crop production and environmental sustainability: A systematic review. The Scientific World Journal, 2024(1), 2126734.
Ghosh A., Kumar A., Biswas G. 2024. Exponential population growth and global food security: challenges and alternatives. In Bioremediation of Emerging Contaminants from Soils (pp. 1-20). Elsevier.
Heydari M. M., Brook R. M., Jones D. L. 2019. The role of phosphorus sources on root diameter, root length and root dry matter of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Journal of plant nutrition, 42(1), 1-15.
Heydari M. M., R. M. Brook P. Withers D. L. Jones. "Mycorrhizal infection of barley roots and its effect upon phosphorus uptake." 2011: 137-142.
Heydari M. M., A. Maleki R. Brook D. L. Jones. "Efficiency of phosphorus solubilising bacteria and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on yield and yield components of wheat cultivar (Chamran)." (2009): 189-193.
Hosseini L., Maleki A., Mozafari A., Mirzaeiheydari M., Sadeghi-Shoae M. 2022. Evaluation of water and nitrogen use efficiency, digestibility and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage beet cultivars under different irrigation methods and nitrogen levels. Gesunde Pflanzen, 74(1), 177-191.
Kumar R., Kumar S., Yashavanth B. S., Venu N., Meena P. C., Dhandapani A., Kumar A. 2023. Natural farming practices for chemical-free agriculture: implications for crop yield and profitability. Agriculture, 13(3), 647.
Feilinezhad A., Mirzaeiheydari M., Babaei F., Maleki A., Rostaminya M. 2022. The effect of tillage, organic matter and mycorrhizal fungi on efficiency and productivity use of nutrients in maize. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 53(20), 2719-2733.
Jote C. A. 2023. The impacts of using inorganic chemical fertilizers on the environment and human health. Org. Med. Chem. Int. J, 13, 555864.
Lotfi B., Maleki A., Mirzaei Heydari M., Rostaminiya M., Babaei F. 2021. The Effect of Different Tillage Systems, Nitrogen Fertilizer and Mycorrhiza on Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Production and Energy Indices. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 52(4), 416-428.
Maleki A., Pournajaf M., Naseri R., Rashnavadi R., Heydari M. 2014. The effect of supplemental irrigation, nitrogen levels and inoculation with rhizobium bacteria on seed quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under rainfed conditions.
Maleki A., Feizolahi A., Naseri R., Rezaei K., Heydari M. M. 2014. Effects of different fertilizer sources on vegetative characteristics of pot marigold plant (Calendula officinalis L.). 242-249.
Mirzaei Heidari M., Bagheri M. 2022. Chemical fertilizers and healthy food. Tayyab international food conference. Food Science and Industry Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Razavi Quality Institute. Mashhad. 719-715
Mirzakarami Nasrin, Heydari M. Mirzaei and Mahmoud Rostaminia. "The effect of different fertilization systems (chemical, biological and combinatory) on different characteristics of winter barley." 2019: 103-117.
Mirzaei Heydari M., Brook R. M., Jones, D. L. 2024a. Barley Growth and Phosphorus Uptake in Response to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 55(6), 846-861.
Mirzaei Heydari M., Fathi A., Atashpikar R. 2024b. The effect of chemical and biofertilizer on the nutrient concentration of root, shoot and seed of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under drought stress. Crop Science Research in Arid Regions, 5(3), 539-554.
Mirzaei Heydari M., Babaei Z. 2022. The effect of plant growth promoting bacteria inoculated in soil and different rates of phosphorous fertilizer on growth and yield of autumn wheat. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 53(10), 2247-2259.
Mirzaei Heidari M., Mishkhaszadeh K. 2023. Evaluating the effects of mycorrhizal fungi on growth and yield of winter chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under conditions of supplemental irrigation. Journal of Plant Environmental Physiology, 18(3): 18-31.
Najim Abdul Reda M., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2024. Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, different amounts of zeolite and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on mung bean yield (Vigna radiate L.). Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(9), 1633-1645.
Panday D., Bhusal N., Das S., Ghalehgolabbehbahani A. 2024. Rooted in nature: The rise, challenges, and potential of organic farming and fertilizers in agroecosystems. Sustainability, 16(4), 1530.
Penuelas J., Coello F., Sardans J. 2023. A better use of fertilizers is needed for global food security and environmental sustainability. Agriculture & Food Security, 12(1), 1-9.
Qasim Saleh A., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2024. Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation, different amounts of zeolite and phosphorus chemical fertilizer on mung bean yield (Vigna radiate L.). Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(4), 653-664.
Qiao L., Wang X., Smith P., Fan J., Lu Y., Emmett, B., Fan, M. 2022. Soil quality both increases crop production and improves resilience to climate change. Nature Climate Change, 12(6), 574-580.
Rahmani A., Maleki A., Mirzaeiheydari M., Naseri R. 2014. Effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and planting pattern on yield and its components of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Ilam province, Iran. International Journal of Biological, Veterinary, Agricultural and Food Engineering, 8(8), 844-850.
Selvarajh G., Ch'ng H.Y., Zain N.M., Wei L.S., Liew J.Y., Azmin S.N.H.M., Naher L., Abdullah P.S., Ahmed O.H., Jalloh M.B. and Damrongrak I. 2024. Enriched rice husk biochar superior to commercial biochar in ameliorating ammonia loss from urea fertilizer and improving plant uptake. Heliyon, 10(11).
Singh, S., Devi, N.B., Divya, D., Kumar, A., Singh, S., Tyagi, G., Nath, A. and Kumar, A., (2024). Soil fertility management: Role of organic amendments and bio-fertilizers: A review. International Journal of Research in Agronomy, 7(12): 766-772
Subramaniam Y., Loganathan N., Habibullah M. S. 2025. Digitalization and Food Security: Evidence From Developing Countries. Review of Development Economics.
Sukanya R. 2024. Global Trade and Food Security. In Food Security in a Developing World: Status, Challenges, and Opportunities (pp. 229-258). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Srivastav A. L., Patel N., Rani L., Kumar P., Dutt I., Maddodi B. S., Chaudhary V. K. 2024. Sustainable options for fertilizer management in agriculture to prevent water contamination: a review. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26(4), 8303-8327.
Thakur J. S., Paika R. 2024. Ecological crisis due to chemical toxicity: Addressing soil health for better human health. Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health, 8(3), 133-142.
Tian S., Xu Y., Wang Q., Zhang Y., Yuan X., Ma Q., Feng X., Ma H., Liu J., Liu C. and Hussain M.B., 2023. The effect of optimizing chemical fertilizers consumption structure to promote environmental protection, crop yield and reduce greenhouse gases emission in China. Science of The Total Environment, 857, p.159349.
Ugwu C. N., Okon, M. B. 2024. Fostering Food Security through Enhanced Fertilizer Production: Examining Policy Frameworks. INOSR Experimental Sciences, 13(1), 31-37.
Vejan P., Khadiran T., Abdullah R., Ahmad, N. 2021. Controlled release fertilizer: A review on developments, applications and potential in agriculture. Journal of controlled Release, 339, 321-334.
Vetrivel S. C., Arun V. P. 2025. Smart Farming and Precision Agriculture Using AI Technologies. In Real-World Applications of AI Innovation (pp. 85-106). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.
Xu C., Zhu H., Liu H., Ji, C., Yuan J., Li G. Zhang Y. 2024. Patterns of crop-specific fertilizer-nitrogen losses and opportunities for sustainable mitigation: A quantitative overview of 15N-tracing studies. Soil Ecology Letters, 6(2), 230206.
Zamani-Ahmadmahmoodi R., Bayati S., Abdollahi K., Mafi-Gholami D., Joorabian Shooshtari S., Gharahi N. Soleimanipour S. S. 2025. Water quality and eutrophication status of the Zarivar Wetland (Iran). Applied Water Science, 15(2), 24.
Zeinivand Z., Babaei F., Mirzaei Heydari M. 2025. Investigating the mutual effect of herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer on the functional characteristics of beans and weeds in regions of Dareshar and Malekshahi. Crop Science Research in Arid Regions.
