Seminar by Dr Cliff Snyder

Increased Regulatory Pressures on U.S. Fertiliser Use:
A Heightened Role for 4R Nutrient Stewardship

C.S. Snyder
Nitrogen Program Director
International Plant Nutrition Institute,

Seminar presented at The University of Melbourne, Soil Science Australia (Victorian Branch) special meeting, and at the Australia and New Zealand Fertilizer Industry Conference.


Fertiliser nutrients make possible 40 to 60% of the crop production which nourishes the human family. Energy and commodity prices, and societal consumption all influence the production of commercial crops and the amount of fertiliser utilized. Yield per unit of nutrient input has improved for several principal crops, which reflects improvement in one key measure of nutrient use efficiency. Yet, public concerns about eutrophication of surface water resources, groundwater nitrate contamination, and nitrous oxide emissions and other unintended impacts are increasing. Greater implementation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship by industry can help meet current and future challenges.

Cliff is Nitrogen Program Director for the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) and coordinates IPNI efforts addressing environmental issues related to agricultural use of nitrogen fertilisers. He has been dedicated to increased agricultural nutrient use efficiency and effectiveness, while protecting water and air quality, for over 30 years. He is a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and the American Society of Agronomy, a Certified Crop Adviser, and received the 2012 SSSA Soil Science Industry and Professional Leadership Award. Cliff is also Adjunct Professor in the Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Arkansas.

For more information contact Robert Edis (roberte@unimelb.edu.au; 0447447468)