Major Crops
Rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, vegetables and fruit
Potash (2007E)
3.1 MMT Production |
0 MMT Exports |
9.4 MMT Imports |
12.5 MMT Demand |
China Today...and Tomorrow
With 1.3 billion people, China uses more fertilizer than any other country. Much of its western terrain is unusable for agriculture, so southeastern China's farmers often double- and triple-crop to meet production needs for crops like rice, fruits and vegetables. Balanced fertilization, particularly after decades of under-application of potash, is now better understood and is seen as crucial to improving yields.
China's future growth will have a heavy impact on agriculture. As incomes rise and urbanization spreads, people spend more on better-quality food – especially meat. China's meat consumption has almost quadrupled in 20 years and is expected to continue to grow significantly. Pork and beef production is grain-intensive, furthering the need for fertilizer to maximize yields.
