The 4R Advocate Program has recognized agricultural producers and retailers, 120 farmers and agricultural retailers who manage over 290,000 acres in 25 states. These forward-thinking individuals champion sound nutrient stewardship to their fellow growers, policymakers and the media.

Nutrient Use Efficiency

Increased nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is achieved through the proper implementation of 4R nutrient stewardship practices, which are strongly supported by the fertilizer industry. Properly implementing 4R practices improves NUE across all plant nutrients, helping growers maximize yields while minimizing the environmental impact of nutrient losses. While NUE can be measured for any plant nutrient, it is most commonly assessed for nitrogen (N) due to its large demand by plants. Soil alone cannot provide enough N to support the growth needed to feed a growing global population, making N fertilizer essential for maximizing yields. However, N that is not taken up by the crop can be lost to the air and water, causing environmental harm. Therefore, NUE is a crucial metric to ensure that nitrogen fertilizer is fully utilized by the crop. By applying the right rate, at the right time, in the right place, and with the right fertilizer source, we can achieve optimal NUE values in the field.

An example of effective NUE implementation can be seen in Bryant Lowe’s sustainable farming practices at Lakeside Farms in southern Delaware. With guidance from Allen Spray of Willard Agri-Service, Lowe adopted 4R nutrient management strategies, increasing nitrogen use efficiency by over 20% since 2017. By utilizing no-till, cover crops, strip intercropping, and variable-rate fertilizer applications, Lowe reduced nitrogen use from 0.85 lbs N/bushel to 0.68 lbs N/bushel by 2023. Additionally, these practices led to a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, cutting CO2 equivalent emissions from 4.4 to 3.0 metric tons per acre between 2017 and 2022.