Regenerative Agriculture in Practice: Bringing 4R Nutrient Management to Garlic Fields
In crop production, more fertilizer does not necessarily mean higher yields. Long-term over-application can increase input costs, degrade soil health, contaminate groundwater, and contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
One internationally recognized approach to more efficient fertilizer management is 4R Nutrient Stewardship. Originally developed by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), the 4R framework aims to improve nutrient use efficiency while maintaining crop yield and quality, helping farmers balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.
The four principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship are:
Right Source — selecting the appropriate nutrient source
Right Rate — applying the appropriate amount
Right Time — applying nutrients at the appropriate time
Right Place — placing nutrients where crops can use them most effectively
- Right Source: Choosing the Appropriate Nutrient Source
Different crops and soil conditions require different nutrient sources. For example, nitrogen may be needed in soils with low nitrogen availability, while potassium may be required in fields with insufficient potassium. Soils with low organic matter may also benefit from the application of organic fertilizers.
Using a single fertilizer indiscriminately can result in low nutrient use efficiency and nutrient imbalances. The 4R approach emphasizes selecting nutrient sources based on soil test results, crop requirements, and field conditions.
- Right Rate: Applying the Appropriate Amount
It is sometimes assumed that applying more fertilizer will automatically lead to higher yields. In practice, this is not necessarily the case. Once nutrient application exceeds what a crop can take up, excess nutrients may be lost from the field. This not only increases production costs but can also contribute to environmental pollution and, in some cases, affect crop quality.
4R Nutrient Stewardship encourages farmers to determine fertilizer rates based on soil nutrient status, target yields, and historical field data. The goal is to provide crops with sufficient nutrients while avoiding unnecessary applications.
- Right Time: Applying Nutrients at the Right Time
Timing is another critical factor in fertilizer management. If fertilizer is applied too early, nutrients may be lost through rainfall or runoff before crops can take them up. If it is applied too late, crops may not be able to fully benefit from the nutrients when they are most needed.
Nutrient requirements also change throughout the crop growth cycle. In garlic production, for example, nutrients are needed for different purposes at different stages. During early growth, adequate nutrition supports root establishment and plant development. During vegetative growth, nitrogen supports leaf development, while potassium becomes particularly important during bulb development.
Applying nutrients when the crop needs them most can improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce unnecessary losses.
- Right Place: Placing Nutrients Where Crops Can Use Them
Where fertilizer is applied can be just as important as how much is applied. Fertilizer left too close to the soil surface may be more vulnerable to nutrient losses, while fertilizer placed too far from the root zone may be less accessible to the crop. Applying excessive amounts in one location can also increase the risk of root damage.
The 4R approach therefore encourages nutrient placement in locations where plant roots can access and use nutrients effectively. Proper placement can improve nutrient uptake while reducing the risk of nutrient loss.
Bringing 4R Nutrient Management to Garlic Production
As an important participant in China's garlic supply chain, Shundi Foods launched a regenerative agriculture project in Shandong in 2024. The project aims to help garlic growers improve production efficiency through more science-based farming practices while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural production. 4R Nutrient Stewardship is one of its key practices.
Traditionally, many farmers have relied primarily on experience when determining fertilizer applications. Under the project, the technical team conducts soil testing and analyzes field data to better understand nutrient availability and soil fertility. Based on these findings, the team develops more targeted fertilizer recommendations, helping farmers apply nutrients according to what their fields actually need rather than relying solely on conventional application habits.
As part of the project, Shundi also provides participating farmers with organic fertilizer free of charge and conducts related training. By combining organic fertilizer application with more precise nutrient management, the project aims to support gradual improvements in soil health while maintaining productive garlic cultivation.
From Experience-Based Farming to Data-Driven Nutrient Management
The project team regularly conducts 4R Nutrient Management training to help farmers move from experience-based fertilizer practices toward more data-driven and science-based management. As the project has progressed, a fertilizer calculator mini-program has also been introduced. Farmers can use field-specific information and crop requirements to receive more targeted fertilizer recommendations.
This digital approach makes it easier to translate the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship into practical field management, helping farmers make more informed decisions about fertilizer application.
Conclusion
For agriculture, 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a practical approach to improving resource use efficiency. For farmers, it can be a tool for managing input costs while supporting more stable crop production. For regenerative agriculture, it is an important pathway toward healthier soils and reduced environmental impacts.
Within Shundi's regenerative agriculture project, 4R Nutrient Stewardship works alongside other practices—including organic fertilizer application and biodegradable mulch film—to support more efficient and sustainable garlic production.
By bringing science-based nutrient management into everyday farming practices, the project aims to help garlic growers build more resilient production systems while moving the industry toward a more efficient and sustainable future.