Production, Foreign Trade, Use, and Support Policies of Chemical Fertilizers in Türkiye

Abstract

In this study, the production, trade, usage, and support policies of chemical fertilizers in Türkiye are examined. Chemical fertilizers are inorganic materials that provide essential nutrients to improve plant productivity and quality. In 2022, a total of 207 million 175 thousand 748 tons of chemical fertilizers were produced globally, with Türkiye accounting for 0.83% of this production. Nitrogenous and phosphorous fertilizers are prominent in fertilizer use, and due to domestic production not meeting demand, Türkiye holds a significant position as an importer. According to foreign trade data, Türkiye lags considerably in terms of exports, yet ranks as the 6th largest importer of nitrogenous fertilizers and 14th in the import of phosphorous fertilizers. The major challenges associated with chemical fertilizer use include environmental impacts, ecosystem degradation due to improper use, and soil and water pollution. To prevent these issues, the adoption of soil analysis and good management practices is necessary. Moreover, government policies and support mechanisms play a critical role in promoting the sustainable use of chemical fertilizers. The study also examines the relationship between fertilizer costs and government subsidies in Türkiye and discusses the effects of these subsidies on agricultural enterprises. The findings highlight the importance of chemical fertilizers for agricultural production and productivity, while indicating that farmers do not find these fertilizer subsidies sufficient and that a balance must be established between environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.