In 10 seconds? Scientists have discovered a way to reduce the energy required to produce ammonia – a key component of fertilizer. This could reduce the considerable amount of greenhouse gases released during fertilizer production – a step to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture.

So, what is happening? Food shortages and an increase in the use of technology led to the start of the Green Revolution in agriculture which started in the late 1950s (NB: Chrome is recommended to access the pdf). The name is misleading in the 21st Century – it is not referring to the rapid spread of environmentally friendly practices. During this period, also known as the Third Agricultural Revolution spectacular increases in the yields of major crops were driven by the increased use of fertilizers which is still going up year after year.

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