What is less often properly recognized is that the increased yields more rapidly deplete the soil of the other plant nutrients removed in the harvested crops, a factor not reflected in the commodity price. Unless these nutrients are replaced, yields stagnate. The same applies to micronutrients. Unless fertilization is balanced, not only is potential revenue lost but much of what has been applied may be a waste of money and an environmental hazard. Coupled with the need to improve fertilizer use is the need to make more efficient use of water.
Agricultural irrigation uses two-thirds of the world's supply of developed water.
It seems likely that, over the next few decades, the number of regions facing severe problems in meeting their needs for water will increase and some of these regions, for example the Indian Punjab and the central plain of China, are among the most important agricultural producing regions of the world. Crops that are healthy and growing well derive maximum benefit from, and therefore make most efficient use of, irrigation water and therefore provide the best economic return on the cost of its provision. Wasted water is as costly as wasted fertilizer. The world owes much to the use of inorganic fertilizers. Consider the amount of land that has been 'saved' by increasing productivity over the last thirty years.