Officials at the USDA Economic Research Service have released new data that brings together U.S. fertilizer consumption data from 1950 to 2010. To enhance analytic efforts, the data is organized by plant nutrient, major selected product, and consumption of mixed fertilizers, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients. Agricultural experts can use the data to see shares of crop area receiving fertilizer and fertilizer use per receiving area in the four largest state producers of corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat. Information is also available on fertilizer farm prices and wholesale fertilizer price indices through 2011.
Not only is the data provided in this new tool beneficial for farmers and those in the agricultural field, but may also prove useful for those who work to prevent nutrient pollution across the United States. The information can be used for tracking growing nutrient loads and identifying usage trends.
To access the new USDA Economic Research data, click here.