Chemical fertilizer rate, use efficiency and reduction of cereal crops in China, 1998–2018

This paper studied the fertilizer rate (FR), use efficiency (FUE) and overuse (FOR) of rice, corn wheat in China from 1998 to 2018 briefly analysed reasons why farmers were willing apply more fertilizers. (1) The FR grain reached 373.7 kg/ha 2018, an increase 26.8% compared that 1998. In for was highest, at 411.2 kg/ha, values 338.3 rice 371.7 wheat. (2) recent years, FUE has obviously improved, with 32.9% 1998, 36.7% 2008, 39.3% 2018. highest (41.2%), followed by (39.9%), lowest (36.0%). (3) By overused all zones average FOR 69.0%, which 35.9% higher than 42.8% rice. (4) lower price chemical fertilizers main reason leading overapplication. (5) Establishing market mechanisms adjusting regional planting structures can be effective reducing application