Phosphorus fertiliser application and the subsequent cadmium input in three provinces along Yangtze River region of China

Abstract

This study has undertaken an analysis of phosphorus fertiliser use in three provinces from 2010 to 2020: Sichuan, Hubei and Jiangsu along the Yangtze River basin. It was revealed that phosphorus fertiliser application rate of Hubei experienced the most significant reduction, and the application rate of Sichuan was the lowest, but its yield of different crops hardly decreased. The yield for all food crops by Jiangsu was highest, indicating the importance of strong economic development on sustainable agriculture practice. Cd input for Hubei was highest. In Jiangsu, Xuzhou, Lianyungang, and Suqian are the three cities applying the most phosphorus fertiliser, which also happen to be the cities with lowest GDP. The findings of this research could provide useful insights into the current practice of phosphorus fertiliser application in the main rice planting regions of China and facilitate the optimal use of global sustainable intensification of agricultural systems.