Feeding the world’s growing population

New Zealand’s reputation as a quality food producer is growing.

Optimising food production

Over the next 50 years farmers around the world will need to produce more food than has been grown over the past 10,000 years.

Best use from a limited resource

Fertiliser helps farmers produce food efficiently by replenishing the soil. But fertiliser needs to be used responsibly.

Responsible and sustainable nutrient management

The Fertiliser Association invests in research and tools to ensure farm profitability while minimising nutrient losses to the environment.

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand promotes and encourages responsible and scientifically-based nutrient management.

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What we analyse

Understanding and managing soil phosphorus levels (Olsen P) to maintain soil fertility for agricultural production, avoids unnecessary phosphorus use. This helps farm profitability and reduces environmental impacts.

Fertiliser application is one of the largest single operating expenses for most farms. It doesn't make sense to apply fertiliser when it's not required to maintain soil fertility. Soil with excessively high Olsen P levels-especially in 'critical source areas' has the potential to contribute more significantly to phosphorus levels in waterways. This can create adverse environmental effects.

Yearly soil tests

The member companies of the Fertiliser Association (Ravensdown and Ballance Agri-nutrients) use almost 100,000 soil tests each year to support good management practice and appropriate fertiliser recommendations.

Decline in phosphorus use

Phosphorus use has declined since a peak between 2003 to 2005. This reflects the impact of a significant price rise in 2008/09, decreased proportions of land being developed for more intensive agriculture, and economic pressures-particularly for sheep and beef farmers receiving lower returns. The moderate usage also reflects the increasing focus on nutrient budgets. This involves using fertiliser more strategically than ever before, as farmers learn how to maintain productivity while using less.

For total phosphorus use in New Zealand since 1990, see here.

Understanding soil phosphorus fertility across New Zealand

To better understand how soil phosphorus fertility is reflected across New Zealand's production land, the Association analysed routine soil Olsen P test results. This study examined data from approximately 800,000 records from across New Zealand, covering a range of farm systems and soil types collected during the period from 2012 to 2019.

The review helps us to understand the phosphorus status of New Zealand's productive soils.

The target ranges for Olsen P for relevant land-use activities are presented as the coloured band on the figures in this report. More background and detail can be found in our booklet series here.

Map of distribution of sampling


Density of Olsen P measurements across New Zealand using rural and rural-adjacent postcodes.

Table of samples by soil type

Summary of Olsen P records by soil type and region, included in the final data set.


The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand and Dairy NZ funded development of the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme (NMACP). This industry-wide certification aims to ensure that advisers have the learning, experience and capability to give sound nutrient advice.

Find out more

Fertiliser Association launches revised Code of Practice

15 March 2023

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand has published a revised and updated Code of Practice for fertiliser nutrient management, replacing the previous version published in 2013.

The Code was launched at an event in Wellington on 13 March 2023, attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon Damien O’Connor.

Minister O’Connor welcomed the publication of the Code, saying it was important good guidance is available for all farm inputs for farmers and the wider sector.

He described farming – producing food for communities and the world – as the most noble of professions. Farmers were dealing with challenges every day and providing them with tools and knowledge was important, he said.

The Code is a key resource tool for the management of nutrients on arable and pastoral farms, horticulture and viticulture blocks, and market gardens.

Association Chief Executive Vera Power says the revised Code provides clear principle-based guidance on supplying nutrients for growing healthy food and fibre.

“Following the Code provides users, regulatory authorities and markets confidence that the nutrients used in Aotearoa New Zealand primary production are managed in a way that minimises adverse environmental impacts,” says Dr Power.

“We believe all New Zealand farmers and growers want to meet societal and their own high expectations for growing healthy food while minimising environmental impacts. Supporting all our aspirations remains at the heart of the guidance provided by this Code.”

The revised Code has had extensive input from  agricultural and scientific experts, regulators and industry groups. It can be downloaded from the Association website at www.fertiliser.org.nz

Primary industries digital adoption report released

7 September 2022

The 2022 AgriTechNZ Baseline of Digital Adoption in Primary Industries report was released in August.

Created as part of a study by AgriTechNZ and insights partner Research First, the report was co-designed with partners The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand, Zespri, The Foundation of Arable Research and DairyNZ. It was also supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures initiative (SFFF).

The 60-page report looks at digital adoption, including key drivers and barriers across the dairy, horticulture, arable and beef/sheep sectors.

You can download the report here.

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