How to reduce potato carbon footprint

Whilst the use of fertilisers contributes to the carbon footprint of potato production, this can be significantly reduced by careful choice of the type and source of fertiliser and by using the fertiliser more efficiently.

Yara believes that to meet growing world population, food and energy demands, sustainable agriculture will continue to require mineral fertiliser inputs, but products need a low carbon footprint to reduce environmental impact.

By investing in new ‘best available technology’ that minimizes its carbon footprint, Yara’s manufacturing plants are rated amongst the most energy efficient in the world.

Indeed, by developing and implementing catalyst technology Yara has reduced N2O emissions from its nitric acid plants by as much as 90%. This reduces the carbon footprint of nitrate containing fertilisers we produce by 40%.

Furthermore, by enhancing N efficiency in fertiliser use – through proper selection and use of these nitrate based fertilisers, growers can minimize losses from leaching or volatilization and contribute another 10-30% in terms of carbon saving.

Thus, by selecting and using Yara’s lower carbon footprint nitrogen fertilisers, in a targeted manner, producers can effectively halve carbon emissions from their plant nutrition programme.

See all potato nutrition articles