World population growth and changing consumption patterns, along with limited capacity to expand arable land and pasture, require the intensification of agriculture. There is much potential for such intensification in developing countries: the soils are often nutrient-poor as a result of both natural conditions (climate, geology) and human activity, while at the same time use of external inputs is limited. One way of improving land productivity is to provide better plant nutrition, for which both organic and inorganic fertilisers are available options.
GIZ (2010): Resource-Saving Fertiliser Use. Eschborn: German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). [Accessed: 15.11.2011] PDF