When nitrogen fertilizer first go through hell?

First through hell? Reduce nitrogen pollution earlier
Nitrogen fertilizers are known to be both a curse and a blessing at the same time: a blessing for humanity whose growing population needs to be nourished. A curse for the environment in case of abuse and overuse. Air and water pollution can occur when nitrogen fertilizers are not used efficiently enough and surpluses remain in groundwater, in rivers or as emissions in the air.
Scientists at Princeton University have now analyzed the underlying relationships on a global scale. Their goal was to find out how to improve efficiency. Only 40 percent of the nitrogen used is really used by the plants, 60 percent get into the environment. While existing technology in developed regions of the earth helps to channel resources more effectively, less developed regions often go through an environment-damaging phase first. While in the EU, policies and restrictions have helped to reduce the damaging effects on the environment, subsidized fertilizers in China and India have done just the opposite.

So the question is: does the path necessarily have to lead "through hell", or is there a direct route to a more efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers? The scientists believe that the goal can be achieved, especially if it is possible to establish efficient nitrogen fertilization as an indicator in the context of the new sustainability goals. More investment in research and know-how transfer would be measures that could help farmers adopt new technologies to make more efficient use of fertilizers. In sub-Saharan Africa, it makes sense to subsidize fertilizers, as they are often prohibitive for farmers. Increased use could boost food security, which is so urgently needed. However, the goal should be to "simply" skip the environmentally damaging stage of development that is currently going on in China and India.

A good example of skipping developmental stages already exists: the landline phone has been redundant since the very beginning of cell phones in many of the world's less developed regions and will probably never be installed again. Perhaps a pendant can also be created with the use of modern fertilizer technology. (Friederike Heidenhof, aid)