Assessment of food-related nitrogen and phosphorus footprints in Indonesia

Abstract

As an agricultural country with a large population, Indonesia has a high demand for food and agricultural nutrients. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are two crucial agricultural nutrients that are especially important to the food sector. However, N and P emissions from food production and consumption result in several environmental problems and pose a threat to human health. Therefore, an assessment of the N and P loss to the environment from the food sector is necessary to form a baseline for achieving a reduction in these emissions over time. In this study, we evaluated food-related N and P footprints in Indonesia using a modified N-Calculator and P-Calculator. This study aimed to provide quantitative evidence to help achieve sustainable N and P management for food production in Indonesia. The calculated food N footprint in 2013 was 13.7 kg-N capita−1 year−1 and that of P was 2.1 kg-P capita−1 year−1. These footprints increased from 1961 to 2013 owing to dietary changes and low nutrient use efficiency in the agricultural sector. The food N and P footprints are predicted to reach 15.9 kg-N capita−1 year−1 and 2.3 kg-P capita−1 year−1 in 2030 unless concrete measures are taken to reduce them. Fertilizer application and urbanization trends need to be managed to help reduce the N and P footprints of food. Stakeholder cooperation between academics, researchers, government, farmers, and the general public will be essential to carry out successful policies and practices designed to optimize nutrient management in Indonesia.