Lantmännen works actively to ensure that the use of plant nutrients does not lead to nutrient leakage into watercourses, and to close the cycle of nutrients.

Eutrophication of watercourses through leakage of nutrients from arable land is one of the central environmental issues in agriculture. Contamination of heavy metals in various fertilizers and broken cycles for phosphorus and other important nutrients are additional challenges to deal with.

Phosphorus a finite resource

Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient for all crops and at the same time a finite and costly resource. Phosphorus is currently extracted from the earth's crust in several parts of the world and is added as mineral fertilizer to agriculture.

The fact that phosphorus reserves will run out, and that they are often contaminated with undesirable substances such as cadmium and other heavy metals, are important reasons for creating a functioning cycle for plant nutrients. Lantmännen is a major supplier of plant nutrients and fertilizers. Lantmännen's responsibility from field to fork includes both providing good products, and contributing to the sustainable use of plant nutrients.

Lantmännen takes responsibility in the cultivation stage

Lantmännen works actively to ensure that the use of plant nutrients does not lead to nutrient leakage into watercourses, and to close the cycle of nutrients. Responsibility at the cultivation stage encompasses several aspects that Lantmännen to varying degrees has the opportunity to influence and control. Where the farmer owns the decisions, Lantmännen contributes with knowledge, services and advice for the sustainable use of plant nutrients.

Development of concepts for biofertilizer for both conventional and organic farming

Interest in biological fertilizers has increased. Biological fertilizer comes from various sources, such as residues from stables, biogas and food production, and contains nutrients that can be recirculated through agriculture.

Precision farming

Adapting the fertiliser to the actual need saves money and protects the environment as much as possible. Lantmännen offers both advice and products for precision farming and optimized fertilization. We also offer web-based tools for cultivation planning and weather-based models for growth, irrigation and plant protection.

Fertilizer with a lower climate impact

Today, mineral fertilizers are the most common plant food in agriculture. The production of mineral girder has a major climate impact. With "Best Available Technology", BAT, in the production of mineral fertilizers, nitrous oxide emissions from production are purified and thus reduce climate impact. BAT fertiliser is already used in Lantmännen's Climate & Nature cultivation programme .

Lantmännen's goal is to enable the world's first fossil-free food value chain. Yara and Lantmännen have signed an agreement for the development and launch of fossil-free mineral fertilizer. It will be produced with renewable energy, thereby reducing the climate impact of grain cultivation by 20 percent. Instead of using fossil fuels, such as natural gas, to produce ammonia – the basis for mineral fertilizers – the fertilizer will be produced with green ammonia from hydrolysis based on renewable energy from Europe.  

Cadmium in mineral fertilizers

Lantmännen works to ensure minimal cadmium levels in phosphorus fertiliser. Lantmännen has been analysing cadmium levels for a long time and informing customers about the cadmium content in all plant nutrient products with phosphorus.