At the “Fertilizer Industry Development Forum,” experts lauded Shandong Agricultural University Fertilizer Co., Ltd.’s integrated “industry–university–research” development model, extolling its approach to the art of Confucian business.

On May 15, the Fertilizer Industry Development Forum, co-hosted by the Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer Science and Shandong Nongda Fertilizer Technology Co., Ltd., was held in Feicheng, Shandong. Experts attending the forum engaged in an in-depth discussion of Shandong Nongda’s integrated “industry–university–research” development model and offered valuable recommendations for the company’s future growth.

Shandong Agricultural University Fertilizer Technology Co., Ltd. holds the Guinness World Record for “the slow-release fertilizer with the highest nitrogen content” and has, for many years, steadfastly pursued an integrated “industry–university–research” model rooted in Confucian business principles. At the forum, Ding Fangjun, the company’s deputy general manager, highlighted that Shandong Agricultural University Fertilizer Technology Co., Ltd. has experienced rapid growth in recent years, now boasting one Guinness World Record, two cutting-edge products, and three major production bases—making it Asia’s largest manufacturing hub for active humic‑acid‑based controlled‑release fertilizers. Its active humic‑acid slow-release fertilizer has been awarded the “Wujin Cup,” the highest honor in the humic acid industry, while its blue‑film controlled‑release fertilizer has also earned a place among the world’s top innovations. After nearly two decades of development, the company has evolved into a modern fertilizer producer that seamlessly integrates manufacturing, education, research, sales, and service. With an annual production capacity of 2.6 million tons, it offers a diverse product portfolio and leads the industry in exploring next‑generation fertilizers. Its offerings include controlled‑release fertilizers, biofertilizers, humic‑acid fertilizers, water‑soluble fertilizers, organic fertilizers, soil conditioners, and more. The company has established four branded product lines—Nongda, Nongyou, Luzhong, and Daxueshi—providing tailored nutritional solutions for a wide range of crops and serving customers across 20 provinces and municipalities nationwide.

Research and development is undoubtedly the greatest strength of Nongda Fertilizer. After years of steady growth, the company has built a research team of nearly one hundred members and, in recent years, has undertaken 32 projects, including those under the National “12th Five-Year” Science and Technology Support Program and the Shandong Province Independent Innovation Special Project of the National Spark Program. The company has established two national-level R&D platforms, two provincial-level platforms, and four municipal-level platforms, and has collectively led 23 national, provincial, and municipal research initiatives on new‑type fertilizers. It has filed a total of 40 national patent applications for controlled‑release fertilizer and humic acid technologies, secured three internationally advanced scientific and technological achievements, and received seven science and technology awards at the provincial and municipal levels. In addition, the company has published 36 papers in journals at or above the provincial level and authored one monograph, holding 61 patents in all. Indeed, Nongda Fertilizer can be said to be a “fertilizer that has been to university.”

Strong research capabilities ensure the high technological content of its products, while a rigorous quality‑control system is another key factor enabling Nongda Fertilizer to reach markets nationwide. Nongda Fertilizer has successively obtained certifications under the ISO 9001 international quality‑management system and the ISO 14001 environmental‑management system, and has been recognized as a national 5A‑level brand for quality and integrity. The company’s internal product‑quality standards exceed national requirements. Ding Fangjun explained that during the secondary processing of fertilizers, quality‑inspection personnel conduct continuous random sampling and testing to guarantee the final product’s quality.

As a technology-driven, integrated fertilizer company, Nongda Fertilizer has maintained close collaborations with numerous research institutes and academic societies. At this forum, several experts from the Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers offered valuable recommendations to Nongda Fertilizer, focusing on the future development of the agricultural inputs industry.

Bai Youlu, President of the Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer and a researcher at the Institute of Resource and Regional Planning of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, remarked: “At present, both the government and the public are placing increasingly stringent demands on energy conservation, environmental protection, and food safety. In the long run, this bodes well for the research and development of new‑type fertilizers. The essence of fertilizer innovation lies in four key aspects: nutrient content, formulation ratios, physical form, and additives. Among fertilizer additives, humic acid is currently safe and stable; however, fundamental research into its mechanisms and applications still requires further exploration. Technology‑driven fertilizer companies can leverage their scientific expertise in this area. Moreover, when promoting fertilizer products, it is crucial not to overlook their regional specificity and targeted applicability.”

Zhao Bingqiang, Secretary-General of the Society of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, also offered market‑oriented recommendations: “In the future, competition in the fertilizer industry will intensify, with rivalry centering on resources, technology, capital, and services. Industry consolidation is already taking shape, and the scramble for high‑quality raw material resources will become even fiercer. As they grow, fertilizer companies must place greater emphasis on integrating resources across the upstream and downstream segments of the value chain. To succeed, fertilizer products must deliver cost reduction and efficiency gains—low cost, high productivity, specialization, and strong value for money—only such offerings will ultimately win market acceptance.”

Representatives from research institutes across the country engaged in a lively discussion on the future trajectory of the fertilizer industry and the strategic direction for enterprises. Ma Xuewen, Chairman of Nongda Fertilizer, meticulously documented the experts’ recommendations. At the conclusion of the meeting, he remarked with deep conviction: “The experts offered invaluable insights on fundamental research, product focus, brand building, and other critical areas, helping Nongda Fertilizer to more clearly define its path forward. Moving forward, Nongda Fertilizer will continue to forge close, collaborative partnerships with academic and research institutions. We will spare no effort to develop and vigorously promote technologies that deliver tangible benefits to farmers, striving to ensure that, through our collective efforts, more farmers can access higher‑quality fertilizers.”