Abstract
Use of fertilizers has enabled a massive increase in crop production yields. However, this has come with severe negative externalities (e.g., greenhouse gas emission; eutrophication of non-agricultural ecosystems). Eco-innovations are one option to reduce the environmental impact of fertilizers without compromising fertilizer productivity. Although numerous eco-innovations in the domain of fertilizers are available, they have not yet seen a sufficient adoption rate. In this paper we explore main drivers for adoption of eco-innovations in the German fertilizer supply chain based on empirical investigations at three levels of the fertilizer supply chain: producers, traders, and farmers. We strive to take a “chain perspective” on environmental concerns and knowledge of fertilizer specific eco-innovations. The study was carried out in two steps: initially we conducted exploratory expert interviews with eight actors of the fertilizer supply chain. The statements generated thereby fed into a questionnaire answered by 57 participants stemming from fertilizer production (n = 12), traders (n = 34) and farmers (n = 11) level. Findings suggest that drivers for eco-innovations are perceived differently by the various actors in the fertilizer supply chain. Overall knowledge on eco-innovations decreases downstream the chain. By taking a chain perspective on the adoption of eco-innovation, our paper contributes to the emerging body of literature on drivers for eco-innovation, and also maps out managerial implications of fostering the implementation of eco-innovations in the fertilizer supply chain.
Highlights
Along with the projected global population increase to more than nine billion in 2050, the demand for food is growing rapidly [1]
In the present study we focus on eco-innovations in the field of fertilizers that have already existed for some time, but that are not yet well adopted by farmers and other actors in the fertilizer supply chain
One focus of this study is to explore the reasons for the limited innovation adoption reflected by missing drivers and the lack of knowledge sharing between the different actors in the fertilizer supply chain
Summary
Along with the projected global population increase to more than nine billion in 2050, the demand for food is growing rapidly [1]. Food production has kept up with population growth through the use of new agricultural techniques, including plant breeding, plant protection, cultivation techniques, use of irrigation, and fertilization. 50% of the increase of agricultural output, especially from cereal production, is based on fertilizer use [7]. Overall 12% of the greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are related to agriculture [10] with 38% stemming from the use of organic and mineral fertilizers alone [11]. Nutrient leaching into ground and surface waters are resulting in eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems with increased growth of algae and decreasing the levels of oxygen [7]. The decline of non-renewable resources (e.g., phosphorus or potassium; [12,13]) is connected to the use of mineral fertilizers
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