[Cost-Effectiveness] — Over a hundred people gathered in Yutai, Jining, to witness the remarkable results of rice cultivation without the need for additional fertilizer.

Recently, the Lunan Branch of Nongda Fertilizer Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Jining Runnong Seed Industry, held demonstration events on Nongda’s no‑reapplication rice fertilizer at Tangma Town and Shiji Farm in Jining. More than 100 rice farmers from Yutai, Jining, attended to witness the remarkable performance of Nongda’s no‑reapplication fertilizer on rice crops.

Nongda’s rice fertilizer that eliminates the need for topdressing is the culmination of more than a decade of research, production, and marketing experience in slow- and controlled-release fertilizers. According to available information, Nongda Fertilizer’s resin-coated urea with a controlled-release period of two months boasts a nitrogen content as high as 45.6%.

Zhang Chengyin, Director of the North China Region at Nongda Fertilizer Co., Ltd., stated: “Our rice‑specific fertilizer, which eliminates the need for topdressing, offers two distinct advantages. First, it features precise controlled release, enabling scientifically calibrated nutrient delivery that aligns with the crop’s nutritional requirements at each growth stage, ensuring optimal efficacy over an appropriate timeframe. Second, the product contains activated humic acid; when combined with chemical fertilizers, humic acid exerts a synergistic effect, helping to regulate nitrogen, promote phosphorus uptake, and activate potassium, thereby extending fertilizer effectiveness and enhancing nutrient use efficiency. Moreover, humic acid serves as a natural plant growth regulator, stimulating physiological metabolism and fostering root development. In addition, humic acid improves soil structure, encourages the formation of soil aggregate particles, and helps balance soil pH, water availability, nutrient status, air circulation, and temperature.”

Song Zhi, a senior researcher at Nongda Fertilizer Co., Ltd., explained that, under current practices, rice cultivation typically involves applying 50 kilograms of a 15-15-15 compound fertilizer as base fertilizer, followed by two to three topdressings during the tillering, jointing, and panicle initiation stages, with each application consisting of approximately 10 to 15 kilograms of urea. In contrast, the no‑topdressing method for rice requires only a single mechanized application of base fertilizer before sowing or transplanting; no additional topdressing is needed. Compared with conventional fertilization, this approach reduces nitrogen fertilizer use by 20% while still achieving yields equal to or exceeding those obtained under standard practices, thereby saving labor and reducing physical strain.

According to reports, in recent years, Nongda Fertilizer Co., Ltd., building on its earlier research and field trials of controlled-release fertilizers for rice, has commissioned the Shandong Provincial Agricultural Technology Extension Station to establish ten demonstration sites across the province’s major rice-growing regions. These sites are located in Rencheng District and Yutai County of Jining City; Weishan County; Hedong District and Tancheng County of Linyi City; Junan County, Ju County, and Gaoqing County; Mudan District of Heze City; Jiyang County; Kenli County; and the Beihai Economic Development Zone of Binzhou City. The extension trials conducted at these sites have yielded promising results, earning recognition from local agricultural technology stations and large-scale farmers. Compared with conventional fertilization, even with a 20% reduction in fertilizer application, yields increased by more than 5%, and net income per mu rose by over 100 yuan.

Dun Xichao, Marketing Manager at Shandong Runnong Seed Industry Technology Co., Ltd., speaks highly of Nongda Fertilizer’s no‑reapplication fertilizer. He notes that several pilot trials showed that other brands’ no‑reapplication products delivered results comparable to conventional compound fertilizers, falling short of the promised “no‑reapplication” benefit. In contrast, Nongda Fertilizer’s product boasts long-lasting efficacy, rapid seedling emergence, early tillering, early heading, and sustained yield‑boosting performance—yield increases exceeding 15%—while saving labor and reducing management concerns, all while delivering high yields. Farmers no longer need to worry about timing their applications; the product truly achieves the goal of eliminating the need for follow‑up fertilization.

At the site, rice farmers witnessed the tangible benefits of fertilizer‑free topdressing and heaped praise on Nongda’s fertilizer‑free topdressing technology, expressing their willingness to adopt and promote Nongda fertilizers.

The convening of this observation meeting enabled more farmers to witness the tangible benefits of Nongda’s rice‑specific fertilizer‑free topdressing technology, while also accelerating the adoption of this approach in the Jining region. Moving forward, Nongda Fertilizer Industry will remain committed to its corporate mission of “helping more farmers achieve greater economic returns,” guided by the principle of “rooted in Nongda, nurturing the soil, balancing nutrition, and fostering harmony between soil and fertilizer.” The company will continue to innovate and promote cutting-edge products and advanced agronomic services, helping farmers boost crop yields and quality, increase their incomes, and contribute innovative solutions to China’s agricultural modernization, rural development, and the prosperity of farmers.