The Impact of Variability in Fertilizer Prices on Farmers' Profitability: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

This systematic review analyses the impact of variability in fertilizer prices on farmers' profitability from an interdisciplinary perspective. An exhaustive search was conducted in specialized databases, applying eligibility criteria and assessing the quality of the studies. The results reveal that fertilizer price volatility is a critical factor affecting agricultural profitability globally, with effects varying according to the context. In addition to prices, various economic, agronomic, and environmental factors influence farmers' decisions regarding fertilizer use. Among the strategies explored to mitigate negative impacts are subsidies, the promotion of efficient technologies, the development of value chains for organic fertilizers, and policies that promote price stabilization and risk management. The bibliometric analysis highlights the relevance of the topic in high-impact journals in environmental sciences, agricultural economics, and sustainable technology. It is concluded that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and systemic approach that considers economic, agronomic, and environmental elements, and the need for future research that delves into the analysis of specific contexts, evaluates the impact of different interventions, and develops interdisciplinary approaches is emphasized. Promoting the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture will require a concerted effort from the scientific community, policymakers, and agricultural sector stakeholders.