Investigating the Current Status of Chemical Fertilizers Consumption and the Necessity of Optimization Based on Environmental, Health, and Agricultural Considerations in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Public Health. School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research Department, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, and Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Community-Based Participatory Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran

5 Soil and Water Research Institute (SWRI); Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO); Karaj, Iran

6 Agricultural Support Service company, Tehran, Iran

7 Iranian Fertilizer Manufacturers Association, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: The dramatic increase in population and the growing demand for food have necessitated a rise in agricultural production and, consequently, the consumption of chemical fertilizers worldwide. However, the excessive consumption of these chemical inputs beyond recommended levels has resulted in significant environmental and public health consequences. To maintain optimal consumption and ensure appropriate planning regarding chemical fertilizers, it is essential to have accurate knowledge of the current situation. This study aims to examine the status and trends of chemical fertilizers consumption in Iran and identify the associated challenges and information gaps.
Method: This qualitative study was conducted in 2025, and data were collected through four complementary approaches: document review, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, online and face-to-face consultations, and focus group discussions conducted during expert meetings. The data obtained from these methods were subsequently reviewed and validated by senior managers and experts from relevant organizations.
Results: According to the results, the majority of chemical fertilizers used in Iran are produced domestically. However, some fertilizers available in the market are counterfeit products manufactured locally and packaged under foreign brand names. Approximately 85 percent of the fertilizers used in Iran are subsidized and supplied by the Agricultural Support Services Company, sourced from either domestic production or imports. Private-sector producers and importers provide the remaining 15 percent. Access to accurate, up-to-date statistics on actual chemical fertilizers consumption in Iran is limited. Furthermore, data from both domestic and international sources often exhibit significant ambiguities and discrepancies. The estimated minimum consumption of all types of chemical fertilizers in Iran for the year 2023, as agreed upon by relevant stakeholders, ranges from 3.5 to 4.1 million tonnes, equating to 223 to 261 kilograms per hectare. While the long-term trend in chemical fertilizers consumption in Iran has generally increased, it has also experienced notable fluctuations. Additionally, there are significant provincial variations in consumption patterns. Many stakeholders in Iran rely on average consumption indicators to assess adequacy; however, these indicators are limited and often ineffective, leading to error-prone interpretations.
Conclusions: Despite the limitations and challenges encountered, this study successfully provides a more comprehensive and transparent overview of chemical fertilizers consumption by using reliable statistics and incorporating stakeholder consensus. In addition to identifying gaps and challenges in information, this research highlights the inefficacy of average consumption indices in assessing adequacy. It emphasizes the necessity of shifting the approach from “quantity of consumption” to “consumption efficiency” when evaluating and planning for the supply and distribution of the country’s fertilizers needs and optimizing its consumption

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References

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Journal of Environmental Studies
Volume 52, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 63-82

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