Impact of Reducing Fertilizers and Pesticides on Sunflower Production in Romania versus EU Countries

Abstract

The Farm-to-Fork strategy was the starting point for this study. Farmers in Romania and other member states expect a decrease in agricultural production in the main crops, due to the reduction of the quantities of fertilizers and pesticides allowed to be used. The article aims to highlight these quantities currently used, as well as the correlation with the realized productions, before the application of the mentioned strategy. The sunflower farming system was the object of the analysis, for which purpose the cultivated areas and the productions obtained in Romania were studied and compared to those in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary and Poland. It was found that in Romania, in the period 2010–2019, small amounts of fertilizers and pesticides were applied. Romania occupies the last position among the countries under analysis, both in terms of fertilizers and pesticides. To obtain a ton of sunflower in Romania, the nitrogen fertilizers used were 19.2 kg N active nutrient, with a negative deviation of −45.5 kg N active nutrient compared to Germany. The P2O5 phosphorus fertilizers used in Romania represent 7.48 kg of the active phosphorus nutrient with a negative deviation of −13.09 kg/ha compared to Spain. Potassium fertilizers used in Romania comprise 2.68 kg of active potassium nutrient used to obtain a ton of sunflower and have a negative deviation of −22.66 kg/ha compared to Poland. The pesticides used in Romania for sunflower cultivation represent 0.35 kg total pesticides used per ton and have a negative deviation of −2.48 kg compared to Spain, the largest consumer. In the event that a unit reduction of 50% for pesticides and 20% for fertilizers is applied, according to the Farm to Fork Strategy, the impact will be unequal on the productions obtained, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Expert-Based Assessment of the Potential of Agroforestry Systems in Plain Regions across Bihor County, Western Romania

“…A total area of 31,000 hectares was cultivated in 2022 across Bihor County [64]. In recent years, among the European Member States, Romania ranked first in terms of both production and cultivated area [134,135], and particularly in regards to the organic production area [136]. It is very appreciated as a honey plant and also due to its several industrial and food uses, such as the production of edible oil, bio-fuel and fodder [136,137].…”

Monitor voortgang verduurzaming voedselketens : Droge kruidenierswaren

“…Voor de productie van zonnebloemen wordt 0,5 tot 3 kilogram pesticiden per ton gewasopbrengst gebruikt volgens Stoicea et al (2022), in zeven EU-landen, waaronder Roemenië, Hongarije, Polen, Frankrijk, Duitsland, Italië, en Spanje (in toenemende mate van gewasbeschermingsmiddelengebruik per ton). Met een opbrengst van ongeveer 2 ton per hectare betekent dat een pesticidegebruik van 1 tot 6 kilogram per hectare.…”

Plant Biostimulant as an Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Modern Agriculture

“…The global demand for crops is increasing year by year, making it imperative to ensure the quality of agricultural products. − Plants require various nutrients from the surrounding environment and encounter numerous biological and abiotic stresses during their growth . Historically, pesticides and fertilizers have been wildly used to provide nutrients for plant growth and eliminate external biological factors that hinder plant development. ,− However, the use of these chemicals has resulted in environmental pollution, and their efficacy is increasingly failing to meeting the requirements of modern agriculture. , Recently, natural substances have been integrated into fertilizer and pesticide products as an alternative to tackle the issues associated with conventional counterparts. − Biostimulant was defined as a single substance or a mixture that improve nutritional efficiency, abiotic stress, and crop quality . In general, plant biostimulants also refer to a commercial product that contains a combination of these substances and/or microorganisms .…”