Submitted by Vucea t3_zvt87h in Futurology
time_drifter t1_j1t2iah wrote
Reply to comment by FlintWaterFilter in Soaring fertilizer prices could see millions more undernourished by Vucea
This is my field of work and basically correct. The issue right now is the specific inputs for the process and sourcing them. Flocculant, potash, and catalyst for reactors have all been problematic over the past few years. Potash in particular because Canda and Russia are the biggest producers. If these inputs can be reliably sourced, production and distribution are relatively stable, just more expensive. Most of it is done by rail which is less prone to issue than freight or air.
One thing that does worry me is equipment longevity. Fertilizer production is very caustic and produces a lot of corrosive byproducts like phos-acid, sulphuric acid, etc. This requires constant maintenance using specialized and very difficult to procure parts. There are many critical components with no replacements on hand. Some of these parts are back ordered for a year or more with no alternative supplier(s). Unless we can rebuild or fabricate a solution, any one of these critical components can stop production.
MrPicklePop t1_j1tq5gd wrote
Yup not only that, but natural gas concerns in Europe have caused them to curtail industrial fertilizer production so they can build their winter natural gas reserves. What’s going to happen come planting season in Europe?
farmer1972 t1_j1ujh7g wrote
They have shut down one mine in Saskatchewan for potash. We have lots but the big boys don’t want the profit Marino drop
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