1、Fertilizer Use and Price

This product summarizes fertilizer consumption in the United States by plant nutrient and major fertilizer products—as well as consumption of mixed fertilizers, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients—for 1960 through the latest year for which statistics are available.

2、Historical trends in phosphorus fertilizer use in the US: 1850 to 2021

Time series of P fertilizer consumption and average application rates for all crops (a) and P fertilizer application rates (b) for 11 crop types in the contiguous US.

3、How Much Fertilizer Is Used Every Year

The product provides a comprehensive overview of fertilizer consumption in the United States from 1960 to the latest available year, detailing plant nutrients and major fertilizer products, including mixed fertilizers, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.

Phasphoric Acid and Phosphatic Fertilizers: A Profile

Nitrogen-based fertilizers account for 53 percent of total fertilizer consumption in the United States; phosphorus-based fertilizers, 26 percent; and potassium-based fertilizers, 21 percent (U.S. Department of Commerce,1992d).

Trends in Fertilizer Use and Efficiency in the U.S.

According to the International Fertilizer Association the U.S. utilized about 14,900 thousand metric tons of nitrogen (ammonia), 4,600 thousand metric tons of Potassium Chloride and 6,500 thousand metric tons of phosphate for fertilizer in 2022 (International Fertilizer Association, TEAD Analysis).

U.S. fertilizer consumption by nutrient

The consumption of agricultural fertilizers in the United States has remained fairly stable over the last decade. In 2022, it stood at nearly 20.5 million metric tons.

How Much Fertilizer Is Used In The United States Annually?

The agricultural fertilizer consumption in the United States has remained relatively stable over the past decade, totaling approximately 20. 5 million metric tons in 2022.

Fertilizer Use in North America: Types and Amounts

Consumption of P and K peaked in the 1980s and then leveled off to just less than five million tonnes each, where it is today. Despite the consumption of nutrients, soil test summaries show almost half of North American soils need additional P and K to meet crop demands.

Fertilizer consumption and energy input for 16 crops in the United States

Fertilizer use by U.S. agriculture has increased over the past few decades. The production and transportation of fertilizers (nitrogen, N; phosphorus, P; potassium, K) are energy intensive.

USA Fertilizer use

Definition: Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate).

The United States is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of phosphate fertilizers, with its agriculture heavily reliant on this input. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2025, the country produced approximately 45 million metric tons of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) compound fertilizers, of which phosphate fertilizer usage reached 36 million metric tons. This figure accounts for nearly one-third of global production. Below is a detailed analysis of phosphate fertilizer usage in the U.S.:

I. The Importance of Phosphate Fertilizer Usage in the United States

1. Foundation of Agricultural Development

• Agriculture is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, and phosphate fertilizer is indispensable for boosting crop yields and improving food quality. Phosphorus provides essential nutrients for plant growth, enhances disease resistance, and increases overall agricultural productivity.
• Phosphate fertilizers also play a critical role in soil improvement and nutrient cycling. They replenish soil phosphorus levels, optimize soil structure, and enhance water and nutrient retention, ensuring balanced and sustained nutrient supply for crops.

2. Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

• Amid growing concerns about climate change and ecological degradation, sustainable agriculture has become a global priority. Phosphate fertilizer production and usage directly impact environmental health and human well-being. Rationalizing phosphate application to minimize environmental harm is a critical task.
• Promoting organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and advancing phosphate recycling technologies are key strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture.

II. Current Status and Trends in U.S. Phosphate Fertilizer Usage

1. Present Usage

• In 2025, the U.S. produced 45 million metric tons of NPK fertilizers, with phosphate accounting for 36 million metric tons—nearly one-third of global output. This underscores the scale of U.S. phosphate production and consumption.
• this figure represents a single-year snapshot and may not reflect long-term trends. Analyzing usage patterns requires consideration of data timeliness and representativeness.

2. Future Trends

• Increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability is expected to drive more efficient phosphate use in the U.S. This includes adopting eco-friendly alternatives like organic and bio-fertilizers, alongside advancements in phosphate recycling technologies.
• Technological innovations, such as slow-/controlled-release fertilizers and water-soluble formulations, could enhance nutrient utilization and reduce environmental impact, shaping future usage trends.

III. Measures to Control Phosphate Fertilizer Usage in the U.S.

1. Policy Guidance and Regulation

• The U.S. government recognizes the environmental risks of excessive phosphate use and has implemented policies to promote responsible application. Policies clarify usage standards, incentivize efficient production techniques, and subsidize sustainable practices.
• Strengthened regulatory oversight ensures compliance with environmental standards, while penalties deter counterfeit fertilizer sales, fostering fair market competition.

2. Technological Innovation and R&D Support

• Technological advancement is vital for the phosphate industry. Government and businesses invest in developing high-efficiency, low-toxicity phosphate products, optimizing production processes, and improving resource recovery.
• Innovation reduces costs and pollution, while public-private partnerships accelerate breakthroughs in sustainable fertilizer research.

3. Public Education and Awareness

• Raising public awareness is crucial for sustainable agriculture. The U.S. conducts workshops, seminars, and campaigns to educate farmers and consumers about responsible phosphate use, benefits of organic alternatives, and environmental risks of overapplication.
• Enhanced literacy empowers stakeholders to prioritize eco-friendly practices and sustainable products.

IV. Challenges and Strategies for Controlling Phosphate Usage

1. Resource Scarcity and Supply Pressure

• Rising global demand for phosphate fertilizers strains resources due to finite phosphate reserves and water-intensive production. The U.S. must expand domestic and international exploration, collaborate on extraction technologies, and secure stable supply chains.

2. Environmental Pollution and Ecosystem Risks

• Phosphate production generates wastewater, gases, and residues that contaminate soil and water if untreated. The U.S. enforces stricter emissions standards, invests in pollution control infrastructure, and mandates cleaner production methods to mitigate ecological harm.

3. Price Volatility and Market Instability

• Global supply-demand imbalances and currency fluctuations destabilize U.S. phosphate prices, affecting farmers and agricultural stability. Enhanced market monitoring, price regulation mechanisms, and strategic reserves can buffer volatility and safeguard food security.

As a major agricultural power, the U.S. plays a pivotal role in global phosphate fertilizer markets. To address future challenges, the nation must prioritize sustainability through innovation, robust policies, and international cooperation. By doing so, it can balance food production, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic resilience.