Global N-, P-, K-fertilizer dataset and imputation software

A comprehensive global timeseries dataset and software modeling tool that predicts country- and crop-specific nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer application rates.
Technology No. 2027-001
IP Status: Unregistered Copyright

Applications

  • Expanding and managing global fertilizer agribusiness operations and investments
  • Analyzing crop-specific nutrient demand and agricultural market trends
  • Supporting regional agricultural policy development and global sustainability modeling

Key Benefits & Differentiators

  • Data Efficiency: Reconstructs global fertilizer usage trajectories by leveraging sparse baseline observations (0.5%–1.0%) without relying on extraneous inputs like GDP.
  • Granular Resolution: Provides high-resolution time series tracking nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) application rates by country, crop type, and year.
  • Strategic Decision Support: Enables agribusinesses and market analysts to pinpoint targeted growth opportunities and optimize global supply chains.

Technology Overview

Managing global agribusiness strategies, fertilizer supply chains, and agricultural environmental impacts requires precise, historical tracking of nutrient application across crops and regions. However, comprehensive empirical data on country- and crop-specific nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer application rates is severely limited, with direct observational data accounting for <1% of global requirements. Existing data modeling approaches attempt to bridge these massive data gaps by incorporating extraneous proxy variables, such as national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which often introduce distortion, indirect bias, and inconsistencies across varied economic landscapes.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a global N-P-K fertilizer use by crop (FUBC) timeseries dataset paired with advanced imputation software. By utilizing robust imputation algorithms directly on existing observational data (0.5%–1.0% of total requirements), the technology accurately estimates missing timeseries values for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application across individual countries, specific crop types, and multiple years. This streamlined method eliminates the need for external economic proxies, offering agribusiness leaders, market analysts, and agricultural policy researchers an unskewed, high-precision asset to analyze market trajectories, optimize fertilizer distribution, and inform global supply

Phase of Development

TRL: 3-4
Research models and datasets have been developed and validated using baseline observational datasets.

Desired Partnerships

This technology is now available for:
  • License
  • Sponsored research
  • Co-development

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Press Releases

Publisher Name Publication Date

Researchers

  • Deepak Ray, PhD Research Professor in Global Landscapes, Institute on the Environment
Academic Use License

Expires on : 1 year

Free of charge

Commercial Use License - Primary Agricultural Countries

Expires on : 5 years

Price per license:
From $10,000.00 excl. TAX

Commercial Use License - Secondary Agricultural Countries

Expires on : 5 years

Price per license:
From $1,000.00 excl. TAX

Commercial Use License - All Countries

Expires on : 5 years

Price per license:
From $25,000.00 excl. TAX

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